“Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease; I shall possess within the vale, a life of joy and peace”
On Thursday, December 12, our great and merciful God and Father, in His incomparable and infinite sovereign will, called our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Mrs. Shirley West Hicks, to himself away from this place of earthly time and limited boundary to an eternal place of inexpressible, joy, peace and rest.
Our Shirley was a native of Norfolk, Virginia (Berkley), born to the late Fred O’Neal and Lottie Mae West on May 8, 1937. She attended the public school of her native city and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Shirley was also a graduate of Norfolk State College (University), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. Music was Shirley’s lifelong passion and discipline as she had, from a very young child, demonstrated not only a deep love for music but also a great, precocious ability to play the piano by ear with skill and accuracy. As music was natural for Shirley, her grandmother, Mrs. Lula West, organist of Berkley’s Mount Zion Baptist Church, mentored and nurtured her young granddaughter, ensuring that she progressed, studied, and practiced piano. As Shirley was a serious piano and music student, she progressed and excelled as an accomplished piano and musician. Her ability and musical gift were evidenced by her tenure as organist for Rising Sun Baptist Church for thirty years; additionally, she served other churches with superior musicianship and distinction throughout the greater Hampton Roads area.
In addition to her position as a church musician, Shirley was employed by Chesapeake Social Services as an eligibility worker. In this role, Shirley enhanced the lives and living conditions of many, particularly the lives of women and children in low-income circumstances who required financial and compassion. Demonstrating kindness and serving others were chief characteristics of her life, and others loved and respected her for it; in fact, in her personal and family life, it was a challenge for Shirley to say “no” or refuse kindness towards others as she was indeed and unfailing and compassionate lover of people, and she was greatly loved and appreciated by others.
This genuine love for family and for others can best be characterized by a heartfelt phrase from her late husband, Roosevelt “Archie,” who often described his wife by proclaiming, “ I picked the prettiest flower in the garden!”. Needless to say, her children and grandchildren will attest to the truth of this lovely and memorable phrase.
Shirley’s children and other family members will testify that she never complained, was never negative, and refused to sink down to pettiness but rather possessed the unusual ability to remain positive and optimistic, and as such, she was a sure source of calm and serenity in an otherwise difficult situation; a true gift!
Shirley was preceded by her parents; her husband, Roosevelt “Archie” Hicks; and two brothers, Michael West and Fred West. She is survived by her seven children Ricardo Hicks, Sabrina Jemmott (Benjamin), Pamela Drew, Darlene Jones (Ronnie), Patricia Brown (Michael), Kevin Hicks (Lenell), Reginald Hicks (Angela); one stepdaughter Cleo Edwards (Pete); two brothers: Ronald West (Brenda), and Reuben West, sister Maureen Haskins; thirty-three grandchildren; thirty-four greatgrandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Thanks be to God for the life and legacy of our beloved Shirley West Hicks.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her. ~ Proverbs 31:26-28 NIV
Condolences(25)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Harold F. Winstead, Sr.
Next Willie Mae Hawkins
Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
The McElrath Family says
December 13, 2024 at 9:50 pmOur sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Hicks family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏽
Barrett & Keith says
December 21, 2024 at 11:36 pmGreat Tribute to a deserving Aunt, and Woman.
My condolences to my cousins and Hicks/West extended families and friends.
Nothing like being unable to get a direct response back from a mother!!!
May Shirley rest with the rested!!!
Barrett, and Keith “the Deacon…
Edith Frazier says
December 14, 2024 at 10:04 pmWe were so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother. We are sending prayers to the entire family. God bless you all , the Frazier Family.
Sandra Bullock says
December 17, 2024 at 9:30 pmCondolences to the family. May the God of Comfort be there with you all.
2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Robert & Doris Bingham says
December 15, 2024 at 9:48 pmExtending our love, peace and comfort as your family navigates through this most difficult time. We love you all. Sincere condolances ❤️
Thadys M Gray says
December 16, 2024 at 6:40 pmI am in prayer for the family of my dear sweet friend Shirley we shared so many beautiful memories together when I lived in Chesapeake,Va. I will always remember her kindness and her love for her eight children and her husband Roosevelt, she was a joy to behold a smile that would melt your heart on any cold day,
REST IN PEACE MY DEAR SWEET FRIEND !!
Cynthia Stallings-Johnson says
December 16, 2024 at 9:44 pmSending my deepest condolences to the entire family. Trusting that our God will see you through this moment of sorrow 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
LaVerne Hurdle says
December 21, 2024 at 11:19 amMy condolences to the Hicks Family Praying for all of you
NELSON AND TWANII SMALL says
December 16, 2024 at 10:43 pmThe prayers of the Saints will be to the God of all comfort, to Pam and the family of Sister Barbara Hicks, may your hearts be comforted knowing there are so many people who care about what you are going through.
Your Calvary Family
lifting you all in prayer and love
Melida and Guillermo Jemmott says
December 18, 2024 at 6:37 pmOur deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you find comfort and strength in God’s word.
Revelation 21: 4
Gracie Butts says
December 18, 2024 at 9:30 pmSending my sincere condolences to the Hicks family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Prayfully..
Janice Johnson says
December 18, 2024 at 9:36 pmMy condolences and prayers to the family of Mrs. Shirley Hicks. Mrs. Shirley had a kind and beautiful spirit. Rest in Peace Mrs. Shirley 🙏
The Blackwells says
December 19, 2024 at 4:19 pmContinued prayers and love to the family of Sis. Shirley Hicks. What a beautiful soul!!
The Blackwells says
December 19, 2024 at 4:20 pmContinued prayers and love to the family of Sis. Shirley Hicks. What a beautiful soul!!
Rhonda Dixon Douglass says
December 20, 2024 at 1:32 amSending my Condolences to the Hicks Family..I haven’t seen Ms Shirley sense growing up in Youngs Park..she was a Beautiful Person. Ripeace Ms Shirley your Legency will last forever ♥️
Rhonda Dixon Douglass says
December 20, 2024 at 1:33 amSending my Condolences to the Hicks Family..I haven’t seen Ms Shirley sense growing up in Youngs Park..she was a Beautiful Person. Ms Shirley your Legency will last forever ♥️
Greg Norris/Pastor Friendship Baptist Church says
December 20, 2024 at 6:15 amOur sincere condolences are extended to the family. May you find rest and peace during this time, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless you..
Wanda Stevenson says
December 20, 2024 at 11:42 amMy sincerest condolences to the entire Hicks family.
Wanda Stevenson
Carolyn and Nathaniel Wyatt says
December 20, 2024 at 9:14 pmMrs. Hicks was such a pleasant person to be around..She loved her family and was always around on special occasions with her beautiful smile. May God Bless you All during your bereavement moments. Remember the good times you had together and comfort each other. RIP Mrs. Hicks.
Estherine J. Harding of First Baptist Church West Munden, Chesapeake, VA says
December 20, 2024 at 12:22 pmDeepest sympathy and prayers to the Hicks family in the passing of your beloved, Shirley! May God bless and comfort you at this difficult time.
Ms. Nadine Giles says
December 20, 2024 at 3:56 pmMiss Shirley was an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, friend and former neighbor. She was special and dear to my heart. She always had something nice to say. I will truly miss “My Girl”. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Hicks family.
Minister Linnette Barron Coley says
December 21, 2024 at 11:36 amSending my deepest condolences to the Hicks family during your time of grief. May God comfort and strengthen. Love you all.
DeAnna Coleman-Ford says
December 21, 2024 at 12:05 pmMy heart goes out to the family of Aunt Shirley
I have many memories of years past stay strong in prayer
Mrs.Regina Jones says
December 21, 2024 at 1:59 pmI will miss you my beautiful friend!!!! God loved you best! Sleep on now & take your rest!!! My love & most heartfelt sympathy, is extended to her family & friends!!! ” Till we meet again, at Jesus ‘s Feet!”💗
Milton Jones says
December 21, 2024 at 2:09 pmShirley was my most elegant Christ like auntie that I had may God welcome you home.
lil people
P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148