BLACKSHEAR — Mrs. Julie Ann “JuJu” Kicklighter Hand, 51, of Blackshear, died Tuesday afternoon, February 4, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House after a brief illness.

She was born in Waycross to the late William Shirrell Kicklighter and Linda Gail Griffin. Mrs. Kicklighter made Waycross her home for her entire life before moving to Blackshear in 2016. She was a member of Waresboro Baptist Church.

Mrs. Kicklighter loved her family and any moment she was able to spend with them. She will forever be remembered for her loyal, kind, and selfless spirit. A woman with a caring heart who never met a stranger, would care for anyone in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Kicklighter is survived by her husband, Bill Hand of Blackshear; her daughter, Bethany Hand of Blackshear; two sisters, Karen Hernandez and her husband, Fernando, of Waycross, and Alicia Lee of Blackshear; a special niece whom she called her daughter, Brooke Johns of Waycross; a special great niece, Amiyah Strickland of Waycross; her adopted family, Shelby Bennett of Waycross and her four children, Paisley Bennett, Palyn Smith, Alana Smith and Raina Drummond; her close friends, Lewis Waters (Reuben) of Blackshear, and Amy Kocher (Steve) of Valdosta; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives.

A funeral service was Saturday, February 8 in the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Waresboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miles-Odum Funeral Home, P.O. Box 78, Waycross, 31502.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.