Daisy Jo Hammett Rickett, age 86, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Daisy was a longtime resident of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, and most recently of Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Daisy was born May 31, 1937, in Hapeville, Georgia, daughter of the late George Walter Hammett and Henry Grady Gay Hammett Sikes. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Daisy was a devoted caregiver to her late husband and sweetheart of 62 years, Donald (Don) Eugene Rickett.
A 1955 graduate of Hapeville High School, Daisy excelled in academics and lettered in multiple sports. She received her BA from Georgia State College for Women, class of 1959. She married Don in 1959, and together, they raised their family of five children in various locations around the state of Georgia, including Atlanta, Bainbridge, Cornelia, and Hinesville. In retirement, Daisy and Don moved to Manchester, Georgia, where they volunteered at Callaway Gardens. They eventually moved to Pine Mountain, where they completed 20 years of volunteer service at Callaway Gardens.
Daisy was a faithful community servant. Her active church life included roles as Youth Group Advisor and Sunday school teacher. She held leadership positions as a swim team parent volunteer and with Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). Daisy volunteered with the American Red Cross through blood drives, as well as teaching CPR, first aid, and swimming to all ages. She also taught health and PE in public education. Daisy was known for baking gingerbread houses and cookies and for her nuts ‘n bolts snack mix. A talented seamstress, she made many cherished dolls, blankets, and clothes for her family.
Daisy was preceded in death by her husband, Don. Survivors include Deborah (Stan) Hewitt of The Woodlands, Texas; Diane (Paul) Sandifer of Pine Mountain, Georgia; Delores (late Lee) Wright of The Villages, Florida; Dorothy (Mike) Kitchens of Sandy Springs, Georgia; and Donald (Elizabeth) Rickett Jr. of Suwanee, Georgia; 13 grandchildren along with their seven spouses; and 14 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, Georgia, with Reverend Shannon Dill officiating. Following the service, the family welcomes everyone to a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Daisy’s honor to your charity of choice.
Arrangements are by H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill, Atlanta, Georgia, 404-261-3510.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Rickett family at www.hmpattersonoglethorpe.com.
