Louise Wicker

Louise Wicker, 72, passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2026 under Hospice Care.

Born on August 5, 1953 in Newberry County, South Carolina, Louise was the daughter of late T. Lake and Frances Elizabeth Wicker of Pomeria, SC.

Louise attended Clemson University for Food Science degrees (BS and MS), and received her PhD from North Carolina State University in 1981. Following graduation she worked at the University of Florida (Lake Alfred) and the University of Georgia (Athens) where she retired in 2012. Her last professional position was at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) where she retired in 2020.

She was preceded in death by brother, Homer Monroe Wicker, sister Tommie Elizabeth Wicker, and grandniece Lilah Julia McGlohorn.

She is survived by husband, Dudley Hartel of Athens, and brothers David Wicker (Mary Anna) of Gainesville, Georgia, Steve Wicker (Marion) and Craig Wicker both of Pomaria, South Carolina, plus nieces and nephews (14), grand nieces and nephews (16), and a great grandniece.

Married for 46 years, Louise and Dudley wed on Dec 1, 1979 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Pomaria, South Carolina.

Louise generously gave her time volunteering with Fuller Center for Housing of Madison County (formally Madison County Habitat for Humanity), leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and service. Her love for her family, plants, and animals will be a lasting testament to her spirit.

Louise was an active member of the International Food Technologists and American Chemical Society throughout her 40-year career as a Food Scientist. Her professional friendships were some of her most treasured. She was a mentor to many and a strong advocate for expanding scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in food science and chemistry. In her final years she advocated for sustainable food system practices.

Memorial services will be announced later.

Memorial gifts (volunteer time or financial) in remembrance of Louise may be made to:

Fuller Center for Housing of Madison County, PO Box 693, Comer, GA 30629

Newberry County Humane Society, PO Box 485, Newberry, SC 29108

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Athens, Georgia is entrusted with cremation.

McSwain-Evans Funeral Home, Newberry, South Carolina is assisting the family at St. Matthew Lutheran Church Cemetery.