Helen Lee (Ellba) Hicks

Ms. Helen Hicks, age 92, of Cameron, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, January 23, 2023, at her residence.

Helen Lee Hicks was born on August 2, 1930, in Lillington, NC to the late Willie and Caroline Ellba, formerly McLean. Helen began her education attending Shawtown School in Lillington, NC and graduated in 1949. After completing high school, Helen briefly attended Shaw University in Raleigh, NC majoring in Home Economics. Helen returned home to help on the family farm.

In 1953, Helen met the love of her life, Mr. Wallace Lee Hicks. Wallace was a soldier in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1976. Helen and Wallace were joined in marriage on February 13, 1956. From this union, they had three children Melinda, Wallace, and Perry. Helen was a proud Army Wife and was stationed at Fort Knox, KY; Fort Monroe, VA.; Fort Meade, MD; Nurnburg, Germany, and ended with a tour at Fort Rucker, AL. During this time, Helen became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a substitute teacher, and was employed at Henly-Roberts Childcare Center in Lillington, NC for several years. In 1973, Helen changed careers and began employment with Coty, Inc. in Sanford, NC. Helen began working at Coty as a General Production Worker. After 19 years of employment with Coty, Helen retired in 1991. Because of her dedication to her job, her husband Wallace would jokingly say to Helen “you act like you have the keys to Coty.”

Helen had several hobbies such as gardening, sewing, and preparing delicious meals for family and friends. Helen loved GOD and had a strong devotion to church and her community. Early in life, Helen worked and lead several committees at Chapel Hill A.M.E. Zion Church. She later attended New Zion Baptist Church with her husband Wallace for several years. Helen rejoined Chapel Hill A.M.E. Zion Church from 2006 to 2016. After 2016, Helen worshipped faithfully at Love, Faith & Power Christian Ministry and Restored, Healed and Delivered Ministry. Helen served as the “Mother” of Restored, Healed, and Delivered Ministry in Sanford, NC, until her health prevented her from attending regularly.

Helen was preceded in homegoing by her husband (Wallace), mother and father (Willie and Caroline), and siblings (John-Reggie, Lena Belle, Love Maria, and Josie Mildred). 

Helen leaves to cherish her memories, her children Melinda Hicks Brewington (Billy Sr.), Sanford, NC; Wallace “Buddy” Hicks (Tina), Dallas, TX; Perry Hicks (Theresa), Oklahoma City, OK; three grandchildren: Perry Hicks, Jr. (Bita), San Diego, CA; Karmen Hicks, Oklahoma City, OK; Shonta Williams (Michael), Fayetteville, NC; three great grandchildren (Jayden, Cyrus, & Darius); one sister Beulah Mae Locklear, Sanford N.C.: one sister -in-law Dillie Douglas, Louisville, KY: one special goddaughter Stephanie Gupton Bell, Raleigh, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1 - 9 PM at 1040 Blacks Road, Cameron, NC. Masks Are Required.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford