Sylvia Hicks

Sylvia Jennings Hicks was born July 29, 1950 in Chester, Pennsylvania. She was the sixth child of seven born to Lillie B. Jennings (nee Freeman). She departed this life on March 22, 2020. Sylvia grew up in Chester attending Chester Public Schools, graduating from Chester High School in 1968. She married Verdell Hicks Sr. later the same year beginning a life long journey as a wife, mother, friend, caregiver, and advocate. For many years, Mrs. Sylvia cared for the children of others as a child daycare provider in her home, alongside her own children. Parents trusted her wholeheartedly, knowing that their children were safe, loved and educated in her care. After many years of providing child daycare, Sylvia moved on to caring for mentally ill adults in a residential facility, demonstrating her capacity for compassion and concern for others. She continued to improve herself by successfully studying hard to become a pharmacy technician; always striving to be meticulous and conscientious with her skill and keeping in mind the person and patient on the receiving end of her work. She worked at Crozer-Chester Medical Center for 11 years until retiring. After retiring, Sylvia and Verdell Sr. split their time between Chester and their second home in Chatham, Virginia where she made Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church her most recent church home. Sylvia was an avid reader and dissectologist (loved doing jigsaw puzzles). Her creativity and artistic spirit showed through the ceramic, crochet, and jewelry pieces she created. She wrote beautifully, composing some very personal poems to family over the years like “The Rose of Rebel Hill” and “My Lifeline”, just to name a few. Anyone who knew Sylvia, knows she continued to be an active and selfless wife, mother, grandmother (“mee-mom” or “mom-mom”), and friend. It didn’t matter where she was physically, she was always available for you. All you had to do was call the same phone number she’s had since 1968 and she’d answer your call. It wouldn’t matter where you were, her response was always the same: to help by showing up for you, making calls or inquiries on your behalf, offering gentle advice or by just listening. Her capacity to care and determination to help was so great, always putting others first. She will be sorely missed. Sylvia is preceded in death by her son Cory R. Hicks; her mother, Lillie B. Jennings; her sisters Bertha Mae Irvin and Ernestine B. Porter; and her brothers Joseph L. Jennings and James W. Jennings. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 51 years, Verdell B. Hicks, Sr.; two daughters, Nichelle Simmons (Mario), and Kristelle Hicks; two sons, Verdell B. Hicks, Jr. (Annemarie) and Christian C. Hicks; two sisters, Janie LeGrande and Ethel Fryer; fourteen grandchildren, Jalyn Simmons, Mario Simmons Jr., Aubree Waddell, Charity Hicks, Christian A. Hicks, Cameron Hicks, Cadence Hicks, Christian C. Hicks Jr., Danielle Moore, Cory Hicks Jr., De’Arrah Hicks, Ciya Hicks, Daniel Hicks, and Ry’anne Hicks; a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is with regret that we cannot hold the homegoing service that our wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend deserves. There will be no gathering at the family home. The family asks that you send your condolences to P.O. Box 596, Chester, PA 19016. If you would like a hardcopy of the obituary, kindly send your name and address to SylviaJenningsHicks@gmail.com. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sylvia Hicks

July 29, 1950 - March 22, 2020