Jean N. Hicks

Jean Nichol Hicks, 87, of Henrico County, found peace on December 23, 2017 after a long, valient struggle with a number of debilitating illnesses. A beloved mother, grandmother, homemaker and wife, she is survived by her husband Thomas J. Hicks; three children, Greg Hicks, Tina Hicks (Gary Woods) and Jeff Hicks; three grandchildren, Dylan Hicks, Owen Hicks and Connor Hicks; and sister Martha Mayo ---- all from the Richmond area; sister Ella Grey Esteppe of Fredericksburg; brothers, John Nichol of Falls Church and Edward Lee Nichol (Kay) of Madison; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Katherine Nichol of Brightwood; and brother Robert Nichol (Betty) of Madison. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who spent a lot of time the past two decades spoiling her grandchildren. She was so very proud of her children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to be with them all. Her large family meals were legendary as she was an amazing cook and baker. Christmas was her favorite time and she displayed her craftsmanship by making crocheted Christmas tree ornaments, smocked Christmas balls and many other decorations, including a hand-painted ceramic nativity scene that included the baby Jesus, the Wise Men and the animals. She even made both sons and husband beautiful Christmas neckties. Her house was always decorated to the hilt at Christmas time with all of her handiwork. She reveled in the enjoyment of making Christmas cookies for her grandchildren, even sending them back to college with them. She made delicious cakes, pies and homemade bread year-round. Some of her hardest work was canning vegetables grown in the family garden and making homemade pickles. When not in the kitchen she was often at her sewing machine -- making clothes, curtains and decorative pillows, to name a few. As a young child she made clothes for her dolls with no pattern. She made many gorgeous smocked garments, embroidered towels and even knitted dish cloths. She crocheted an Afghan, performed cross-stitch and basket weaving. She mended all the children and grandchildren’s clothes over the years. A skilled card player, Mrs. Hicks took great enjoyment in being part of several bridge clubs for many years, both for the competitiveness and the great comradery it offered her with many friends. And trying new recipes was a big focus when she hosted the game. Born in Madison County and growing up on her family's small sustenance farm during the Great Depression, she developed a strong work ethic and many of the aforementioned skills. After graduating from Madison County High School, she later went to work for the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. where she began dating her soon-to-be husband of nearly 65 years. They married in 1953. Services for the family and close friends will be held December 29. Flowers may be sent to Woody Funeral Home, 1771 North Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23229