Marylee Hicks McKim

Marylee Hicks McKim, 94, of Sugar Hill, GA, died peacefully in her home on December 20, 2023 surrounded by her immediate family. Marylee was born in Continental, OH on January 20, 1929 to her parents Benjamin Harrison (Harry) Hicks & Edith Hamden Hicks. Marylee was the youngest of four children and grew up on a farm with her two sisters, Mina and Gwenna and much older brother, Harle, who eventually purchased a nearby farm to manage with his wife and five children. Marylee and her family grew up attending the local Methodist church where she attributed her longstanding faith in God. She loved music, so she enjoyed singing first soprano in the choir and playing piano for most of her life.

Marylee never forgot the hardships her family faced during the depression. As a result, she never met a stranger. She was always generous to offer a meal to anyone who came to her door as well as caring for her neighbors and friends continuously. Marylee’s parents had a meager 8th grade education, but they encouraged her and her siblings to excel in their own education. Marylee graduated co-valedictorian from Continental High School. She was always grateful that her dad could finance one year of college at Bowling Green University where she completed an administrative program. She utilized these skills as office manager at an insurance agency and International Harvester in Fort Wayne, IN when she met Donald McKim, a personnel manager, who had graduated from Indiana University and served in the Army. They married in 1952 and lived in Muncie, IN until they relocated to Atlanta, GA in 1959 where they hoped to start their family. Having had difficulty conceiving for many years, they decided on adoption.

As part of the adoption process, Marylee was required to stop working outside the home and agreed to an in-depth home inspection and series of interviews. Marylee and Don became the proud parents of Lee Ann born in 1961 and David born in 1964. The family of four resided in East Point during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. They moved to the Lilburn area in the mid 1970’s where the family was actively involved at Harmony Grove Methodist Church. Marylee was widowed young at 58 yrs old, when Don died instantly of a massive heart attack. Eventually Marylee relocated to Sugar Hill in the mid 1990’s where she lived the rest of her life. She loved being a devoted grandmother during that time as well.

Marylee was an astute seamstress, gardener, avid reader and historian most of her life. She loved volunteering her time in the local garden club, as room mother during her children’s elementary years, tutoring others to read as well as taking some additional college courses. In the mid 1970’s Marylee was certified as a real estate agent and began selling residential homes through Century 21, Coldwell Banker and Metro Brokers for over 25 years, retiring in her mid 70’s. However, she didn’t slow down while caring for her grandchildren, volunteering in a local elementary school library and staying actively involved at Level Creek United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Hicks; brother, Harle Hicks, sister-in-law, Eunice Hicks; husband, Donald McKim, mother, Edith Hicks,  two brother-in-laws, Fred Wiggans and Don Hitchcock; 2 sisters, Gwenna Hicks Hitchcock and Mina Hicks Wiggans; and 2 nephews, Mike Hicks and Pat Hicks.

She is survived by her daughter, Lee Ann McKim Cunningham (Roger) of Alpharetta, son David James McKim (Lisa) of Gillsville; 6 grandchildren, Ann Marie Cunningham, Dustin McKim, Mitchell Cunningham, Timothy Cunningham, Phoenix Belvin and Carolee McKim, as well as nephews and nieces whom she dearly loved.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Inspire Hospice who tirelessly cared for Marylee in her home for nearly 7 months as well as multiple caregivers in recent months. Marylee’s Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow at Level Creek UMC, 4844 Suwanee Dam Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024.

All who knew Marylee, knew of her love of flowers, gardening and changing of seasons. Donations can also be made in her memory on the church website – www.lcumc.net Select Memorial Contribution under the giving tab.