Garyl Echoles

On January 10, 2020, Garl Echoles, our angel, and loving mother of five children, three sons and two daughters passed into the arms of her Savior at the dear age of 76. She made her final transition  with her beloved granddaughter Shareese (Re Re) Billups by her side. Garyl was born May 20th 1943, in Meadville, Ms to Thomas and Ida (Nelson) Hickingbottom. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and was known all around town as the “the sweet lady” who was always willing and able to step in and babysit all the kids in the neighborhood. But please don’t be fooled if you ever got under her skin she sure knew how to set you straight, especially that darn Michelle. 

Garyl dedicated her life to God at an early age, and her faith in God was eternal. She and her children attended church regularly until her health started to decrease. Anyone who knew Garyl knew she was famous for her cooking skills especially her Tacos and Pepper Steak. The entire neighborhood could smell her cooking for miles away and would line up at her kitchen window to indulge in her delicious foods. Garyl was typically the life of any party with her dancing and singing, especially anytime you put on some good old “Down Home Blues”. She was also known for her great decorating abilities and styling the best outfit on trend. Garyl was dedicated to her children and was always focused on making sure they lived a loving and kind life through their belief and faith in God.

She is survived by Five children, Angie Leon (Deandra) Smith Jr.  of Gary, Ind., Kirby (Joan) Smith of Los Angeles, CA., Aaron Burts of Northridge, CA., Michelle Echoles of East Chicago, Ind. and Regina Echoles of College Park, GA. Her grandchildren, Shareese (Re Re) Billups, Devonte (Red) Jones, Aquira (Lil Bit) Reed, Kishna Glass, LeAndranae Smith, Angie (Leonni) Smith, Ebony Burts,  Brandon Burts and Aaron Burts Jr., two adopted grandchildren Briana Brown, and Michaela Driver. Three siblings, Gynell Hickingbottom of Meadville, Ms., Bobby Hickingbottom of Jackson, Ms., and Elmo Hickingbottom of Indinola, Ms. and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and numerous relatives and friends.

Garyl was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Ida Kickingbottom, Her brothers Henry Louis, Joe Louis, Kenneth, and James Hickingbottom. Her sisters, Ruby Read, Lula Mcphel Hickingbottom, Sadie Weathersby, Joann Frye, and a very special nephew Carlman (Woo) Frye.

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