Christa L. Hicks

Christa L. Hicks 49 of Fort Myers, FL died unexpectedly on April 30, 2023. Christa was born on September 28, 1973 in Norfolk, VA to parents Christopher Councill and the late Linda Walker. She had been a resident of Southwest Florida since 1978 and most recently Fort Myers Beach. After graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in psychology, Christa earned a Master’s in Counseling from Liberty University; in 2013, she went on to found Into the Jordan Ministries (ITJ), a nonprofit counseling center for victims of human trafficking and exploitation. She dedicated her life to helping others and served as a mentor to countless women struggling with addiction and recovering from abusive relationships. Christa's advocacy extended far beyond the borders of her community. In 2016, leaving ITJ under the direction of colleagues, she became the Executive Director of Anti-Trafficking at the nonprofit Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, where she advocated for child sex-trafficking victims on an international platform. She met with the Presidents of the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, respectively, to advance governmental sex trafficking interventions. Additionally, she was honored in joining the U.S. President in the Oval Office as he signed into law the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017. Her dedication and impactful work led to her nomination for the 2017 News Press Hero of the Year Award, a testament to her significant contributions. At her core, Christa was a determined community member who used her unyielding spirit and voice to amplify the voices of the vulnerable. She was a force for positive change, demonstrating a unique resilience, compassion, and work ethic. Christa leaves behind an enduring legacy of advocacy and an indelible mark on the fight against human trafficking. She is survived by her loving daughter, Marisa Kai Brown of Fort Myers, FL; three sisters, Carolyn Bloy and her husband, Richard of Fort Myers, FL, Jessica Suarez and her husband, Eduardo of Cape Coral, FL and Cheryl Councill of Charlottesville, VA; and two brothers, Jacob Ingram and his wife, Hannah of Cape Coral, FL and Christopher Councill, III of Savannah, GA and her father, Christopher Councill, Jr. of Charlottesville, VA. Private services were held by the family. In lieu of flowers, Christa’s family would love for you to make a donation to: Into the Jordan Ministries to continue the work she started. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFunealHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Christa L. Hicks

September 28, 1973 - April 30, 2023