Thelma E. Hicks

Thelma Everett Hicks, born on April 27, 1924, in Boykin, Virginia, was the fifth of ten children of the late John Stanley and Annie Sykes Everett.

When Thelma was still a child, her father moved the family to Suffolk, Virginia, seeking greater opportunities.

There she grew up on the family farm alongside her siblings—James, Ethel, Joe, Georgia, Timothy, Dorothy, Inez, Theodore, and Christine—where they shared both the joys and responsibilities of farm life.

They became active members of Canaan Baptist Church, where Thelma dedicated more than 80 years of service in the music ministry. She also served faithfully on the Mother’s Board, at times leading the group with grace and devotion.

In 1949, Thelma married the late Ralph Hicks, Sr. Together, they were blessed with three children: Ralph Jr. (deceased), Dwight, and Anita. Dwight and his wife, Kyong.

Thelma began her career in cosmetology in her early twenties, first working with her sister, Georgia, while completing her studies at McGlone’s Beauty College. After earning her diploma in 1947, she launched a distinguished career in the beauty profession that spanned six decades. She became a proud member and national officer of the National Beauty Culturists League, where she earned her Associate Bachelor’s degree (1979), Associate Master’s degree (1983), and Associate Doctor’s degree (1987).

As the proprietor of Thelma’s House of Beauty, she built a loyal clientele and gained widespread respect for her talent and professionalism. Her passion extended beyond her business; she was also a lead singer and soloist in the Virginia State Beauticians’ Association Choir. Throughout her career, Thelma received numerous awards, honors, and certificates recognizing her dedication to the profession she loved. She retired at the age of 83, leaving a lasting legacy in the cosmetology community.

In retirement, Thelma fully embraced her love for gardening. She could often be found tending to her yard, hoe or clippers in hand, sharing her labor of love with neighbors and friends. She will be especially remembered for her famously large, burpless cucumbers, a symbol of her nurturing spirit and joy in simple pleasures.

Thelma’s long and full life of 101 years is celebrated by her children, Dwight (Kyong) of El Paso, Texas, and Anita Hicks; her granddaughter, Teresa Hicks of Camp Springs, Maryland; her sister, Dorothy Cohen of Charlotte, North Carolina; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and their children; her beloved church families of Canaan Baptist Church,Suffolk, VA and Gethsemane Community Fellowship Church, Norfolk, VA ; her many Facebook friends; and countless others who admired her remarkable life and faith.

She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and servant of God, whose legacy of love, faith, and perseverance will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A public viewing will be held 5-7pm, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A gathering with family and friends will began at 11am, Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Canaan Baptist Church, with a celebration of life commencing at 12 Noon. Ms. Hicks will be laid to rest at Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.