Hazel Shela Hicks

Hazel Shela Hicks passed from this earthly life on June 11, 2024, to be at home with Christ. She believed His words from John 14 that His Father's house has many rooms, and He would return for her after preparing a place for her there. Thankfully this same promise is available to all who call on the name of the Lord and they will be saved. Hazel was born October 2, 1931, to the late Earnest Iola and Malissia Alexander Hicks.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Ernestine Carol Hicks.

She accepted the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of Lebanon Chapel AME Zion Church. Hazel had a happy childhood and formed friendships that lasted till her death. After completing elementary school, at what was then called the “colored elementary school”, she continued her education at Morristown Junior College in Morristown, Tennessee where she received an associate’s degree. 

In many ways, Hazel was a Renaissance woman. She displayed an incredible array of talents throughout her life as a hardworking young woman with an incredible work ethic. Hazel became legally blind as a young adult. Trained on a federal government program (Business Opportunities for the Blind), she owned/managed concession lunch/snack stands in U. S. Federal buildings in Washington DC. She even managed a stand in the Pentagon, which required her to have top secret service clearance. Hazel managed concession stands until her retirement in 1998.

In the DC area, she continued her Christian journey as a member of Alleyne AME Zion Church. While in the area, she frequently attended Lomax AME Zion Church also.

Hazel decided to enjoy her retirement years in Lebanon. She loved cooking for many years, and she attended activities at the senior center. Hazel was again an active member of Lebanon Chapel AME Zion Church.

She leaves behind to cherish many WONDERFUL memories one sister Brenda Hicks Smith (Henry), Pemberton, New Jersey; two brothers Alexander Lawrence Hicks, Lebanon, Virginia, Donald Wayne Hicks (Gwendolyn), Raleigh, North Carolina; one niece Keely Nicole Hicks Wilson (Daniel), Upper Marlboro, Maryland; one nephew Leland Ernest Hicks, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; one great-nephew Rutherford Ernest Wilson, Upper Marlboro, Maryland; many cousins and long-time friends.

The funeral service for Hazel Shela Hicks will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, in the chapel of Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service with Rev. Jimmy Ellis officiating. Interment will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday June 14, 2024, in the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made on Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service Facebook page and our website at www.chfunerals.com. Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service, 291 Hwy 71 Fincastle Rd., Lebanon, VA 24266 (276) 889-4444