IUKA, MS: Nelda Joy Hicks Eaton, age 81, passed this life at her home on July 20, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Belmont, MS, on August 1, 1941. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, loving ways, and enjoyment of life. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, floral arranging, fishing, being at the lake, and attending car shows. She was a Christian.

Nelda Joy is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Earl Leon Eaton, Sr.; children, Ira Johnny Harber and Jeffery Cletus Harber, both of Iuka, MS, Susan Kay Eaton Bagwell (Barry) of Pontotoc, MS, and Earl Leon Eaton, Jr (Nicole) of Biloxi, MS; grandchildren, Mallory Harber Craig, Christopher Harris (Haley), Ira Daniel Harber, MD (Alli), Candice Harber, Veronica Harber Bohannan (Tyler), Sheridan Page, and Hailey Eaton; six great-grandchildren with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melton Cletus “Cutie” Hicks and Tina Letha Wanner Hicks Wulf; sisters, Wanda Royce Hicks and Glenda Lou Hicks Wilbanks, and brother, Scotty Melton Hicks.

Ludlam Funeral Home of Iuka, MS, has been entrusted with arrangements with a private memorial service held. A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their loving care. You may leave online condolences to the family at www.ludlamfuneralhome.com.