Lottie Jo Wicker Avila

A Memorial Service for Lottie Jo Wicker Avila will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the Captain William Perry Chapel under the direction of Haggard Funeral Home in Jefferson, TX.  Dr. Ron Danley, First Baptist Church of Jefferson will be officiating. A private burial will be held for the family afterwards at the Mims Chapel Cemetery. Lottie, a beloved mother, nana, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, at the age of 80, with her family by her side. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and boundless generosity. Lottie was a beacon of light whose presence touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was born in Jefferson, TX, on December 6, 1943, to Kermit and Fannie Wicker. After graduating from high school in 1962, she moved to Dallas to attend business school. From there, she lived in Houston, Longview, and eventually found herself back where she began in the Jefferson area, a historic town with wonderful memories of family and lifelong friends. Born with an innate talent, passion for art, and an entrepreneurial spirit, she began her professional career in 1975 as an artist selling her oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, limited edition prints, and greeting cards of her works throughout the country for 20 years. She used to talk about how being an artist was inevitable and, in the genes, with her Aunt Mary Pyland being a well-known artist in Jefferson, who she adored and was such a powerful influence in her life.

Lottie decided to retire from selling her artwork and start a new venture in Jefferson. For a few years, she rented two different locations on W. Lafayette St and N. Polk St; one was named Gaslight Mall, where vendors had their booths selling arts and crafts. During this time, she realized opening her own store was the next step. In 2000, she bought the building at 119 N Polk St and hand painted 2,600 sq ft of the first floor to look like brick and stone herself. After more remodeling to her taste, the doors of Blessings were opened. A charming retail gift and Christian bookstore in the heart of Jefferson. Lottie was God-lead; scriptures were written on the walls in her store, and each morning before opening the door for business, she said a prayer.

At Blessings, her warmth and genuine hospitality knew no bounds. Every customer who walked through the door was greeted with her trademark phrase, “Well Hello”, followed by her beautiful smile that made each person feel instantly at home. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family, and her profound caring and compassion touched the hearts of all who crossed her path. At times, she listened if that’s what someone needed, gave heartfelt hugs, or prayed with many customers throughout the years. Blessings also had a Prayer Ministry where anyone could ask for a prayer request to be included in a prayer chain. She was a cherished member of the Jefferson Community, beloved by dear friends, fellow shop owners, customers near and far, and residents alike. In December 2020, Lottie decided to retire and close the store.

Her impact extended far beyond the walls of her store, from tutoring underprivileged children reading to being on the board of various business and philanthropy organizations, always trying to better the community and help others. For years, she had weekly bible studies in her home, where she loved spending faithful time with many friends. She devotedly served and worshiped with her community in churches in Jefferson and Avinger. Lottie also had many talents and hobbies that she thoroughly enjoyed, including jewelry and porcelain doll making, gardening, photography, and antiquing in the Amish Country of upstate New York and Pennsylvania. She was always up for a travel adventure.

Lottie was preceded in death by her parents, Kermit and Fannie Wicker of Jefferson and her brother, Paul Edward Wicker of Houston. Her greatest loves were her children and grandchildren, whom she adored, and they deeply loved her. Melanie Resnansky and her husband, Greg of Dallas; their children Braden, Landon, and Andrew; Robert Avila and his wife Laura of Sugar Land; their children Haley and Jacob. “Well done, good, and faithful servant”. We will always love and miss you dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Friends of Jefferson Animals (FOJA)- friendsofjeffsonanimals.org or mail a check to 304 E. Elizabeth St, c/o Dina Carroll Jefferson, TX 75657. Lottie was passionate about helping rescued dogs.

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