Judy Hicks Varnell

Judy Hicks Varnell of Albany, GA passed peacefully into eternity on Friday evening, November 21, 2025. She received excellent care at both Phoebe Memorial and Willson Hospice House. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 am Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Walden Chapel of First Methodist Albany, with Rev. Jim Morrow officiating.

Born and raised in Fruithurst, AL, Judy worked briefly for IBM and lived in Atlanta while earning her BBA from Georgia State University. She went on to obtain her juris doctorate from Woodrow Wilson College of Law and became a member of the Georgia State Bar in 1986. She faithfully served the Albany community for many years through her legal practice.

Judy was an active and engaged member of the community, participating in Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Suburban Women’s Club, Meals on Wheels, and most recently Women in Network. She was deeply devoted to both her clients and her work while also spending her free time traveling and being an avid lover of her pets and all animals. Judy was a member of First Methodist Albany.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hazzie Lee “Goose” and Ethel Pauline Hicks, and her brother, James Newton “Nooky” Hicks.

Survivors include her niece Angel Fielder (Rex) and great-niece Madison Fielder of Loganville, GA; her aunt June Hicks Moore of Oxford, AL; cousin Donna Moore Bradbury (David) of Oxford, AL; and cousin Donny Moore (Marsha Hudgins) of Vincent, AL.

Details regarding the service and the family’s receiving of visitors will be shared at a later date.

Those wishing to honor Judy may make donations in her memory to one of her beloved charities. Please note “In memory of Judy Hicks Varnell” on the memo line.

Willson Hospice House 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA 31707 https://phoebehealth.com/phoebe-foundation/ways-to-give/funds-and-programs/give_hospice Phone: 229-312-7050 or Albany Humane Society, 1705 Oakridge Drive, Albany, GA  31707 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/16WYFF49AIRNE/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex Phone: (229) 888-7387