Betty Lou (Chester) Hickey

Betty Lou Hickey, age 77, passed away peacefully at The Webb House Retirement Center on October 2nd, 2025, after a seven-year struggle with Alzheimer’s and a more recent illness.  Betty was born on August 16, 1948, in Nashville, Tennessee, near her childhood home in the Lockeland area of East Nashville. She was known by many as Mrs. Hickey, the Kindergarten teacher, Adult Education teacher, Sunday School teacher, and First United Methodist Preschool teacher.

Betty was a 1967 graduate of East High School, a 1971 graduate of Belmont University and later obtained a Master’s Degree and Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee Tech University.

Betty moved from Nashville to Smithville and began her teaching career at Smithville Elementary School in 1971 after meeting her lifelong friend Carolyn Maynard at Belmont University. After moving to Smithville she met and married Donnie, her husband of 52 years. She continued teaching at Smithville Elementary School until her retirement in 2010. During her years serving the children of DeKalb County she was known for her patience, kindness and love for the children and families that came through her classroom throughout the years. She passed on her love of teaching to her daughter, Anna.

Betty was a nurturer, who always had the ability to make others feel loved. She enjoyed nothing better than spending time with her family.  She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend.  Betty was a faithful member of the Indian Creek Baptist Church. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Margaret Chester. Betty is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donnie Hickey of Smithville; daughter, Anna (Patrick)Buchholz of Murfreesboro; one grandchild, Maggie Johnson of Murfreesboro; sister, Jane (Dan) Dale of Ridgetop; sister in laws, Annie (Jesse) Flatt of Cookeville and Joyce Byrd of Ohio; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 12 Noon Saturday, October 4, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel, with Bro. Ric Lee officiating and burial to follow at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be Friday 5 PM until 7 PM and Saturday 10 AM until the time of the service at 12 Noon. 

Donations in memory of Mrs. Hickey may be made to Indian Creek Baptist Church, Samaritan’s Purse or charity of your choice.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Hickey family.

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