Jean Rea Hickey

Evans, GA – Jean Rea Hickey passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Brandon Wilde surrounded by her loving family. Jean Rea Hickey, 101 years old, was the devoted wife for 57 years of the late Dr. Judson C. Hickey. They are the parents of two sons, Dr. Judson S. Hickey (Cay) of Augusta and William D. Hickey (Lynn) of Thomson, and one daughter, Nancy H. Binkow (Philip) of Atlanta and the proud grandparents of 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Jean was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio where she met her high school sweetheart and life partner, Jud. In 1947, after graduating Ohio Wesleyan University, Jean and Jud married. Jean was the heart of raising their family with her unconditional loving strength and strong faith traditions. They moved from New York to Ohio and Kentucky as Jud’s career advanced before moving to Augusta after being recruited by Governor Carl Sanders to build Georgia’s first public dental school. Together, Jean and Jud traveled across the United States to recruit the best professors and their families for the new state of the art dental school.

Jean was the flourish behind Jud’s dental career, using her social and entertaining skills as well as her culinary know how to cater monthly gourmet dinners and fabulous parties at their home for the dental faculty. They enjoyed being with the dental students just as much and were often spotted being the last to leave student social gatherings.

Jean was President of the Medical College of Georgia Faculty and Spouse Club, the Eastern District Central Auxiliary, the Georgia State Dental Auxiliary and P.E.O. She was a board member of the Augusta Alzheimer’s Association, Suburban Women’s Club, and Girls, Inc. She was a long-standing and active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Jean was also an incredible seamstress creating all her husband’s ties, quilts for many a bed, and dresses and evening gowns for herself and her daughter. She was a talented artist painting in watercolor and oil and played many sports including golf, water skiing, and tennis. Much to Jud’s chagrin Jean usually beat him, albeit gracefully, in most sports. When Jud was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jean was his steadfast best friend.

Jean loved being with her children and their families. She always knew how to have fun and to create fun times for those around her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Thomas Poteet and Son with Chaplain Christie McTier of Southeast Hospice officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dr. Judson C. Hickey Scholarship (Fund 5009) at the Dental College of Georgia, c/o Medical College of Georgia Foundation, 720 St. Sebastian Way, Ste 150, Augusta, GA 30901 (www.mcgfoundation.org/give-now) or VIA Cognitive Health (formerly the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care), 105 Lutheran Dr., Augusta, GA 30907 (www.viacognitivehealth.org).

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.