Mrs. Geraldine Cooley Hickey, age 77 of Sparta, passed away at 5:50pm on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital in Lebanon.

Geraldine was born June 11, 1947 in Sparta, Tennessee to the late Monroe Anderson and Cora Mae Stults Cooley. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her daughter Mary Melissa "Missy" Hickey Roberts who died August 3, 2023; siblings Beecher, Floyd, John and Hollis Cooley; sisters Katherine Jenkins and Mary Ruth Alley.

Geraldine Hickey was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She was a nurturing and compassionate person who displayed unconditional love to all the lives she touched.

Geraldine was an amazing cook and was especially known for her chocolate pies, pinto beans and cornbread. She loved sports; college basketball most of all, and of that the Lady Vols was her favorite team.  She was also the biggest fan of her children and grandchildren as they played sports throughout the years.

Geraldine loved her family.  She and her husband John shared over 60 years of life together and were devoted to each other always.  Family was her priority throughout her life, and she selflessly put the needs of others before her own. She supported her children and grandchildren in every way possible.  She was also known as the "baby whisperer" for her ability to rock babies to sleep.

Most importantly of all, Geraldine was a child of God.  She always strived to teach her children and grandchildren to do the right thing and to be good to others.  She raised her family in church and made sure they understood her devotion to God.

Geraldine will be missed and treasured by so many and the blessing of her presence in the lives of others is immeasurable.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years John Hickey

Two daughters: Jill (Shane) Wheeler and Tiffany Monday

Grandchildren: Allissa Roberts, Lauren (Blenson) Desrosiers, Victoria Roberts, Jon Riley Monday and Cora Belle Monday

Great-grandchildren: Mia Cooper and Beau Desrosiers

Sister: Daphene Richardson

A host of nieces and nephews also survive

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Friday, January 24, 2025 at Blue Spring Presbyterian Church with burial in Blue Spring Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Friday at the church. Katie Ory will officiate.

Jon Riley Monday, Blenson Desrosiers, Adam Hickey, Tim Hickey, Bill Hickey and Todd Hickey will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Peyton McKee, Jason Bradley, Chad Hickey and Billy Ray

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Blue Spring Cemetery Fund. PO Box 83, Sparta, TN 38583. Contributions made in Geraldine's memory will honor her legacy and benefit the community she held dear.