Minerva L. Hicks, 75, of Garrard County, passed away Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. Joseph Berea. Minerva was born on April 13, 1950 in Leslie County to the late Wilson and Mary Shepherd.
 
Minerva adored and loved her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook with her daughter and have family dinners. She loved her grandchildren dearly, she would always cook their favorites and gave them her unceasing love. She liked collecting and gathering things that were special to her, going to the dirt track for racing, University of Kentucky Wildcats, gardening, flowers, volunteering at the local food pantry along side of her friends, and her daily phone calls from her brother, Clayton. 

Her early career began at Genesco, where she worked for many years. Later in life, she started helping others through offering her cleaning services. Then she stepped into her Godly assignment caring for others in their later stages of life, offering peace and security not only to them but to their families as she became their caregiver. She provided care for each elderly friend and peace to them as they made their transition to heaven. She loved each of them unconditionally, as well as their family members. She truly had a servant's heart. She was of Pentecostal faith and relied on her relationship with her Heavenly Father through her prayers and faith. She was adored for her dedication to all her family and friends. She never met a stranger, and her smile was pure joy. Especially through her children, grandchildren, brothers. And sister's eyes. She was the best! 
 
Surviving is a daughter, Mary Cathrine”Kat” Lane (Kenneth T.); grandchildren, Kenly Lane, and Brayson Tackett; a brother, Clayton Shepherd; a sister, Ida Mae Day; her bestie, Debbie Tillery and special friend, Mama Joyce Allen. A special second daughter, Michelle Thompson aka Shell. And a host of borrowed daughters Wanda Kay, Mel, and Lori Jo.
 
Minerva is preceded in death by her parents Wilson and Mary Shepherd , a beloved son, James Arlon, brothers, Otis, Andy, Jimmy, and Joe Shepherd, sisters, Lorraine Miller and Bessie Day.
 
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Spurlin Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jerry Browning officiating. Burial will follow in Manse Cemetery in Paint Lick. Visitation will be 5-8 pm Friday, October 31, 2025, at the funeral home.
 
Pallbearers will include some incredibly special people in Minerva’s life, Scott Sowder, Barry Howard, Jonathan Aldridge, Binky Baker, Jimmy Hall, and Conner McQueary.
 
Honorary pallbearers will include all of Minerva’s nephews, Buddy Grimes, Bruce Grimes, Scott Lane, Barry Tackett, and Arthur Humber.