Mary Helen Hicks

““He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalms 147:3)

Mary Helen Hicks, affectionately known as “Mary Helen”, was born on May 27, 1942 in Farmville, Virginia. After an unexpected illness, she peacefully departed this life on Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Mary was the youngest girl of ten children born to the late James and Marion Thompson. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Jim, David, John, Emmitt, and Otis; and four sisters, Estelle, Elizabeth, Corrine, and Dorothy Lee. She spent her early childhood in Charlotte County, Virginia. She was educated in the Charlotte County Public School System.

On September 16, 1962, Mary married “Retired Sgt. Major” Willie James Hicks. From this union three daughters were born, Cassandra, Vontania and Priscilla. Throughout her marriage, Mary traveled the world with her husband and children while he was in the military. She loved her husband, “in sickness and in health”, which she demonstrated when he became ill in 2020 and she cared for him until his death.

Mary was a home maker for several years. She enjoyed taking care of her daughters and being home for them. She waited late in life to look for employment. She was employed by a few textile companies in the area. Her last place of employment was with Prince Edward County Public Schools for 17 years in the Food Service Department where she retired from in 2014. She enjoyed cooking during the holidays for her family. Spending time with her family brought her much joy and happiness. She enjoyed cooking and having her loved ones share in savoring good food and lively conversations. She loved watching “Family Feud” with Steve Harvey, “Let’s Make a Deal”, and going on her Sunday outing to “Dairy Queen” for ice cream.

Mary’s leaves to mourn and cherish her memory her daughters Cassandra D. Kidd (Marcus) of Lynchburg, Virginia, Vontania Y. Williams (Phillip) of Norfolk, Virginia, and Priscilla L. Hicks, of Colonial Heights, Virginia; four grandsons Marcus Kidd Jr., Joseph Kidd, Terrence Kidd and Preston Hicks-Holmes and two great grandchildren.

Mrs. Hicks lost her parents at an early age and was raised by the late Joe T. Arvin Sr. and the late Estelle Arvin. She was raised as a sibling with Sadie Warren of Keysville, VA (the late Matthew), Eunice Bedford of Concord N.C. (Waverly), Patricia Whitehead of Meherrin (the late Rufus Whitehead); the late Francis Barronette of New York (Noel) and the late Joe T. Arvin Jr. of Keysville.

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

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