Beatrice Marie Hicks departed this life and entered eternity on Saturday, July 4, 2026, after courageously battling vascular dementia for four years.

Beatrice was born on March 7, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Clarence Clenwood Parker and Emelda Marie Parker. She was the third of six daughters and was preceded in death by her beloved parents and three sisters: Antoinette Richmond, Clara Lee Carey, Bernadine Pennyman.

At the age of four, Beatrice moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she attended the Cleveland Public Schools. She graduated from Glenville High School and remained a proud Tarblooder throughout her life.

Following graduation, she pursued her passion for caring for others by attending Jane Addams School of Practical Nursing, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential. She faithfully served as a nurse at Women’s General Hospital, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and several nursing homes, compassionately caring for countless patients throughout her career.

Beatrice met the love of her life, Jimmie Hicks, at a skating rink, where she enjoyed one of her favorite pastimes—roller skating. They were united in marriage in 1958, and to this union three children were born:  Darlene, Lynette, and Jimmie.

During their union mom and dad loved to spend time travelling to various destinations – including Hawaii, Alaska and many others.

Beatrice’s Christian journey began at an early age in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). She often shared the treasured memory of meeting Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, founder of the Church of God in Christ. As a little girl playing outside with her friends, she would stop to greet him by saying, “Hi, Bishop Mason.” It was a memory she cherished throughout her life.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior on April 2, 1962, and was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost on October 30, 1963, while washing clothes in her basement. That life-changing experience marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serving the Lord.

Beatrice was a faithful member of East 105th Street Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop F. E. Perry. She later united with Calvary Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of Elder Richard Brown Jr., where she continued to grow spiritually and faithfully serve.  After her years of faithful service at Calvary, Beatrice united with Start Right Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of her son, Pastor Jimmir Hicks Jr.  It was there that she completed her church journey, carried out much of her ministerial work, and was honored with the title of Church Mother in recognition of her faithful service, spiritual leadership, and Godly example.

Committed to biblical learning, Beatrice attended Calvary Bible Institute and devoted herself wholeheartedly to ministry. She faithfully served in the Nurses Guild and was later ordained as an Evangelist Missionary in the Lake Erie District. She also served as Chairperson of the District Missionaries, faithfully carrying out every responsibility with humility, grace, and unwavering dedication.

Beatrice loved reading God’s Word and was known by many as a true prayer warrior. She established and faithfully led the Tuesday and Friday Noon Hour Prayer, believing that prayer changes lives. As part of her evangelistic calling, she ministered in nursing homes and detention homes, faithfully sharing the love of Christ with those in need of hope and encouragement. She also gathered neighborhood children each evening at 6:00 p.m. for prayer, planting seeds of faith in young hearts.  Wherever she went, she faithfully passed out gospel tracts, always looking for an opportunity to share the love of Christ.

She faithfully served as a Temple Keeper alongside her beloved sister, Bernadine, and many other dedicated saints. If you were ever blessed to hear Mother Hicks pray, you would never forget her heartfelt cry, “Oh Jesus.” Those two words reflected the depth of her relationship with God. She knew the Word of God, lived the Word of God, and encouraged others to trust Him through every season of life.

Beatrice never sought recognition, fame, or personal gain. Her greatest desire was simply to please God and serve His people. She remained a faithful servant until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Her life was a testimony of faith, compassion, sacrifice, humility, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.

Outside of ministry, Beatrice loved her family deeply and was affectionately known as “BeaBea,” “Sissy,” “Mommy,” “Maver,” “Bamma,” and “Gee.” She was well known for her delicious sweet potato pies, homemade spaghetti, and her famous turkey à la king, a family favorite prepared each year after Thanksgiving.

She also loved shopping and had a flair for unique shoes and beautiful clothing.  She enjoyed collecting Oriental treasures and took great pride in adding beautiful and unique pieces to her collection over the years.

Beatrice leaves to cherish her precious memory with her devoted sisters: Theresa Cooke, Carmen (Kenneth) Lyles, Ronald Pennyman Brother in-law.  Children: Darlene (Terence) Redic, Lynette (Michael) Hughes, and Jimmie Jr. (Lynda) Hicks; ten beloved grandchildren: La’Kesha, TaNiesha (Brian) Wilson, Terris (Jarvis) Northcutt, Jimmie III (Imani) Hicks, Christopher, Michael, Terence II, Steven (Trya) Hicks, Charitable, and Jonathan (Christa) Hicks; nineteen cherished great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family member, lifelong friend Minnie Butches, church family, and host of friends.

Her legacy of faith, prayer, service, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Though she has entered into her eternal rest, the impact of her life and ministry will live on for generations to come.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 2

Take the Lord along with you, everywhere you go, you’re sure to find your way