Arceola D. Hicks, 81

DOVER - Arceola D. Hicks of Dover passed away Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in her home, after a short illness. She was 81.

She was born June 14, 1926, in East St. Louis, Ill., to the late Henry J. and Katie Parker.

Mrs. Hicks was affectionately known as "Sweet Girl."

After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, she continued her education at Mary Holmes College.

Mrs. Hicks worked for the federal government as a civil service employee.

She retired in 1989 after 38 years of service with more than 25 years with the Social Security Administration.

In 1952, she married Elliott Hicks, and after traveling throughout the United States and overseas, settled in Dover.

Mrs. Hicks was active in the community over the years.

She was a Boy Scout den mother, Girl Scout volunteer and volunteered her time at the family court in Dover.

She was also an avid gardener and enjoyed working in her yard.

Mrs. Hicks was preceded in death by a brother, Travis Williams.

She is survived by a sister, Fannie Mae Gaston of East St. Louis; two sons, William E. Hicks of Atlanta, Ga., and Charles E. Hicks of Santa Monica, Calif.; two daughters; Katherine E. Hicks of Decatur, Ga., and Colleen Hicks Taiwo and her husband Tunji of Kennett Square, Pa.; her grandchildren, Dontrell Baines and Tevon Baines, Patrick and Olivia Taiwo and Tameika Chandler; a host of nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Randy and Theresa Demby.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover, where friends may view two hours prior.

Burial will be in Sunset Garden of Memory, Millstadt, Ill.