Naomi Tuten Kicklighter

Mrs. Lois Naomi Tuten Kicklighter, 88, of Rum Gully Road in Islandton, entered into rest Friday evening, May 29, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia. She was the loving and devoted wife of the late Mr. Russell Riley Kicklighter, Sr. who preceded her in death in July, 2025 – she reunited with him in Heaven on their sixty-ninth anniversary.

Born July 17, 1937, in Hampton County, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late John Walter Tuten and the late Vera Margaret Stanley Tuten. A member of the first graduating class of Wade Hampton High School in 1955, she was the epitome of a devoted southern wife, always centering her life around her family and the duties of her home. She was a longtime member of Rice Patch Christian Church, where over the years she served as a Sunday School teacher, having been known for driving each Sunday to pick the neighborhood children up for church, and was a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor and her love of family. To her, everyone was family. During her lifetime, Naomi experienced incredible loss, and through all of that her faith and love of Christ never wavered. She left a beautiful example of a life well lived and she instilled those values in her family and the countless children that she loved. It was no secret that she loved children almost as much as she loved Christ. She had a desire to always serve others and that was what endeared her to others. A talented seamstress and baker, she made many beautiful wedding and birthday cakes.

Surviving are: a daughter, Melissa Kicklighter Hilbert and her husband Randy of Fortson, Georgia; five grandchildren, Mandy Spencer (Stephen), Hope Collins (Colby), Alex Hilbert, Andrew Hilbert, and Anna Riley Hilbert; six great grandchildren, Thomas, Mary Margaret, Stephen, H.B., Liddy, and John Riley; and two sisters, Elaine Ginn (Jessie), and Vera Miller; as well as a large host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two sons, Russell Riley Kicklighter, Jr. and Richard Wayne Kicklighter; a daughter-in-law, Mitzi Kicklighter Snipes; and siblings, Walter Tuten, Margerite Swain, Veda Polk, Elizabeth Montgomery; and Tommy Tuten.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed in her memory to the following: Rice Patch Christian Church, 15246 Sniders Highway, Islandton, South Carolina 29929; or to, Survivors Park Alliance, 52 Cleveland Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601.

The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. Naomi Tuten Kicklighter are invited to attend her funeral services which will be conducted at 11 o’clock Tuesday morning, June 9, 2026, from Rice Patch Christian Church, 15246 Sniders Highway, Islandton. Interment will follow in the churchyard.

Friends may call from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock this Monday evening at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndon.com.