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FRANKLIN – The messenger of God whispered the summons to our beloved Dolly Florence Whitney Hicks on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022.

Dolly’s memories will be cherished by her two daughters, Carolyn Hicks-Buck (James) and Debra D. Hicks; a grandson Morgan Buck (Beri); three great-granddaughters, Elizabeth (L.C.), Eva and Embri Buck; godchildren, Ruth Nichols and Aaron Henderson; brothers, Sidney Whitney (Rolene), Marvin Whitney (Jurline); sisters: Lucy Whitney Williams (Clyde, deceased), Joyce Whitney Winfield (George) and Deborah Whitney Conley (Harold, deceased). The following family members are resting in heaven, brothers, John Whitney (Hazel), Kenneth Whitney (Florence), Clarence Whitney (Sally) and sisters Claudia Whitney Artis (Willie), and Blanche Whitney Edley (Phillip).

On Aug. 6, 1950, the Rev. T.V. Brown, a former pastor of the St. Luke United Church of Christ joined in marriage Deacon Joseph Henry Hicks and Dolly Florence Whitney.

Early in life, Dolly sought the guidance of Jesus Christ and she became a member of Zion Southampton AME Church and later moved her membership to Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church with her husband, Henry.

Dolly drove the Southampton County school bus for 49 years. She would drive the bus, go in the classroom and work with children as a paraprofessional, as a librarian, a math and reading resource teacher.

Dolly was active throughout the community, as well as her church. Some of her church affiliations included being a missionary, a deaconess, and church clerk for many years. She served as church clerk during the leadership of the late Pastor Rev. C.A. Proctor, Rev. Nathaniel Gomillion and Rev. William T. Smith.

Dolly loved the Lord. Her martra, “I don’t want to do anything wrong” along with her favorite song, “Lord, I Just Want to Thank You” was a testament of how she lived her life and how she praised the Lord. We thank God for her being that light that shine so others could only see God through her humble and sweet life.

The service was on Saturday, Dec. 10, at noon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Ivor with the Rev. Joseph Whitney delivering the eulogy; Pastor Dionte Futurell was host pastor. The committal and benediction was in the church cemetery. Service provided by the professional and caring staff of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 South Main Street in Franklin. Please share your condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.