Betty Rose Hicks

Betty Rose Loyd Hicks was born to sharecroppers Sam & Isabelle Loyd of Isola, MS on January 19, 1944, in Sunflower Co.  The fourth of six children, she was as rugged as they came … learning to drive a tractor, pick cotton, and manage farmland at a very young age.

She attended Humphreys County High School and graduated in 1962.  In the fall of ‘63 she married William Jones and welcomed her first child Patricia Ann Jones in August of ‘64.

Four years later, she enrolled at Coahoma Junior College and majored in Early Childhood Education, receiving her associate’s degree in the spring of ‘70.  While there, she met and married Eugene Hicks, an ambitious young soldier in the US Army, on March 8, 1970.

In the fall of ‘70, she enrolled at Mississippi Valley State College and received her bachelor’s degree in the spring of ‘72.  She and Eugene accepted Christ into their marriage early and were both baptized at McKinley St. Church of Christ by Bro. Minister Sam Wiggins on January 1, 1973, … a marriage that would endure for more than 55 years.

To this union, she bore two children, daughter Crystal Lashe in the spring of ‘73 and son Eugene, Jr. in the summer of ‘80.  She completed her education with a master’s degree from Delta State University in 1980.

A lifelong educator, her career spanned more than 30 years … from Immaculate Conception Catholic School to W.A. Higgins Junior High School, as well as teaching Sunday school here at church.

Visitation will be Friday June 20, 2025 at Royal Funeral Home from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.  The Celebration of Life will be Saturday June 21, 2025 at McKinley Church of Christ, 11:00 AM.  Rev. Joe Ringo will be officiating.  Bro. Oscar Dorsey, minister.  

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Sam & Isabelle; sisters Rose Mary & Nellie Gene; brothers Clint & Sam Jr.; and daughter Patricia Ann Jones-Hicks.

She leaves to celebrate and cherish her memory: husband, Eugene Sr.; daughter Crystal & son Eugene Jr. (Ressia); grandchildren Harrison, Eugene III & Makaila; sister Heddy (Eddie); and a host of nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Sisters in Christ Ruthie Horton and Mahaila Jackson, as well as Joyce Talbert, and Vanessa “Honey” Wilson. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

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