Frederick Thomas Hickerson Jr.

Frederick Thomas Hickerson Jr., of Loxahatchee, was promoted to Heaven on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida to Novella (née Wharton) and Frederick Thomas Hickerson Sr., Fred spent much of his early life in Pahokee before settling in Loxahatchee with his beloved wife, AvaSue (née Herold). After attending Admiral Farragut Academy, Freddie met AvaSue at The Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where their love story began. They wed in Pahokee in December 1965, nearly six decades ago. Fred devoted his career to Winn Dixie Stores as a produce buyer, forging enduring relationships with the farmers, who became like family to him. In retirement, Fred enjoyed morning coffee gatherings at Gabriel's Café in Wellington, Florida. For over 25 years, Fred served several times a week in the Kairos Prison Ministry at South Bay Correction Facility. Through weekly Bible study, Celebrate Recovery, and Kairos weekend programs, Fred shared his testimony with hundreds of prisoners each year, making it his mission that others would know his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Fred's passing was preceded by his parents, his sister Carolyn and her husband Charles Jernigan of Pahokee, Florida, and their eldest daughter, Lisa Adams (née Jernigan) of Chipley, Florida, who passed just a week earlier. He is survived by his wife AvaSue, his son Frederick Thomas Hickerson III and wife Deanna Dombrowski-Hickerson with their son Hudson (6) in Key Largo, Florida, and daughter Janet Jean Hickerson, her husband Kevin Byrne, and her son Parker Smith (12) in North Palm Beach, Florida. Fred is also survived by six nieces and nephews: Jennifer Ewashko (née Jernigan), Erika Jernigan, Kris Cox, Todd Peeples, Keith Cox, and Brette Peeples. A memorial service will be held at Agape Church of God (13390 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves, Florida) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Kairos Prison Ministry are appreciated at https://givebutter.com/kairos-florida Please designate "South Bay CF" on the dropdown. Learn more about Kairos and volunteering opportunities at https://kairosprisonministry.org