Below is a comprehensive remembrance of Reyanna Ashley Hicks—honoring her life, roots in LaPlace, and the outpouring of love from the community.

Reyanna Ashley Hicks, born January 22, 1989, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on April 15, 2025, at the age of 36, in her hometown of LaPlace, Louisiana . She was the beloved daughter of Reynolds A. Hicks Sr. and the late Romellin A. Hicks, and sister to AnnMarie Hicks‑Mays .

LaPlace: The Community Reyanna Called Home

LaPlace is a census‑designated place along the east bank of the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish, with a 2020 population of 28,841. Known as the “Andouille Capital of the World,” its tight‑knit neighborhoods and river‑front parks formed the backdrop of Reyanna’s life. The parish seat, Edgard, lies just upriver, and LaPlace serves as a gateway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge .

Early Life and Personal Journey

Reyanna grew up immersed in the traditions of the River Parishes, attending local schools—possibly including St. Charles Catholic High School—and volunteering at community festivals and church events . Friends remember her as bright‑eyed and generous, often leading drives to collect supplies for flood‑affected families along the Mississippi.

Her passion for music and the culinary arts shone through weekend gatherings, where she experimented with Creole recipes and hosted living‑room jam sessions. Whether mastering a gumbo roux or belting out Zydeco classics, Reyanna’s spirit animated every room.

Loving Family and Cherished Relationships

Reyanna devoted herself to her father, Reynolds A. Hicks Sr., caring for him after her mother’s passing and ensuring family traditions endured . Her bond with sister AnnMarie Hicks‑Mays was marked by laughter and shared confidences—late‑night phone calls filled with dreams of travel and service. Cousins recall Reyanna teaching neighborhood children to dance in the streets during Carnival, her patience and kindness leaving lasting impressions.

The Passing and Funeral Arrangements

On April 15, 2025, surrounded by family, Reyanna passed away peacefully, leaving a void in the LaPlace community . Funeral services are entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home at 605 Main St., LaPlace, LA 70068 . The schedule is as follows:

Visitation: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in the same chapel.

Friends wishing to share condolences may sign Reyanna’s guestbook online, light a virtual candle, or send floral arrangements directly to the funeral home .

Community Grief and Remembrance

Across LaPlace, tributes have poured in under #RememberReyanna, from heartfelt posts on Reyanna’s Legacy page to hand‑lettered signs adorning local businesses . At the funeral home, walls are lined with photos capturing her radiant smile—family snapshots, community service events, and candid moments of joy.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Council has announced a moment of silence at the next Mardi Gras parade in her honor, and local nonprofit Andouille Aid is planning a charity cook‑off to raise funds for a scholarship in Reyanna’s name, supporting young women pursuing culinary arts or community leadership .

Honoring Reyanna’s Legacy

In lieu of flowers, the Hicks family requests donations to the newly established Reyanna Ashley Hicks Memorial Scholarship—administered by the LaPlace Community Foundation—to assist deserving students in St. John the Baptist Parish with educational expenses .

Reyanna’s laughter, warmth, and dedication to service continue to inspire: children she tutored in reading, neighbors she helped rebuild after storms, and friends who carry forward her example of generosity. As we grieve, we also celebrate her vibrant life—a testament to the lasting power of compassion in a community she loved.

Sources Consulted

Legacy.com obituary for Reyanna Ashley Hicks.
Reyanna’s Legacy.com memorial page.
Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home listings (LaPlace obituaries.
Echovita obituary notice for Reyanna Hicks.
Wikipedia: LaPlace, Louisiana demographics and location.
Wikipedia: LaPlace population and racial breakdown.
Wikipedia: St. John the Baptist Parish context.
Wikipedia: St. Charles Catholic High School, LaPlace