Frances Mangleburg Hicks, born in 1922, lived a blessed life that spanned almost a century. Her early years were spent growing up through the eras of the Great Depression and World War II in Mt. Airy, GA. She attended middle school in Cornelia, GA and graduated high school in Cumming GA. Frances’ college studies took her to North Georgia College in Dahlonega and Oglethrope University in Atlanta where she graduated with a Bachelors of Education degree.
She began her teaching career at Evan P. Howell Elementary School in Atlanta and after a successful thirty year career retired as a Supervising Teacher at the Memphis State University Campus School in Memphis, TN. Inspired by teaching and the classroom experience, Frances continued her education at the University of Georgia earning a Masters of Education degree in 1956. Frances was a member and officer of several state and national professional education organizations.
Frances met her future husband, Parks Hicks, during her college days in North Georgia. They married July 8, 1945 and enjoyed 63 years together before Parks’ death in 2008. Blessed with three children, Margaret, Martha and Marion, the family lived in Atlanta, Norfolk, Memphis, and Dallas before Parks and Frances returned home to Georgia to spend their retirement years.
After her retirement, Frances pursued volunteer opportunities with the National Assistance League. She helped to organize a League chapter in Atlanta and was a founding member of the Assistance League of Atlanta (ALA). Honored for her tireless work, Frances was active in the development and fundraising for many of the children and adult programs ALA has today. During her thirty years of service Frances held multiple ALA leadership positions including President. Selected by the National Assistance League (NAL), Frances held several national offices and traveled often to assist with the development of new chapters and fundraising platforms.
A great multi-tasker, leader and organizer, Frances was also a very devoted caregiver and generous to many in their time of need. Her strong spirit, love for her family and dedicated service to others will be greatly missed. Through the years Frances spoke often of her desire to live. In the early morning hours of January 4th in the arms of her savior, she fulfilled that desire and now lives forever.
She is survived by her two daughters Margaret Hicks Dunn and Martha Hicks of Atlanta and son Marion Hicks and daughter-in-law Susan of Dallas, TX.; grandchildren Susan Dunn Edwards, her husband Daniel; Logan Dunn and his wife Katie; MaryFrances Hicks and Marcum Hicks; great grandchildren Murphy and Lily Edwards; and nephews Frank and Tom Williamson and niece Betty Jean Cothron.
A service of witness to the resurrection and a celebration for her life will be conducted on Tuesday, the 8th of January at twelve o'clock noon at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel with Reverend Allen Toliver officiating. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family Tuesday from eleven o'clock until the hour of service at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
