SEDLEY—Mrs. Edith Florence Ricks Brown, 99, departed this life on Friday, December 2, 2011, at Southampton Memorial Hospital, Franklin, Va.

She was born in Southampton County on June 1, 1912, to Richard Henry Ricks and Florence Holloman Ricks.

Edith attended Ricks Grove Grade School and graduated from Norfolk Public Schools. She received her bachelor of science degree from what is now Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.

She was a member of St. Luke Church where she worked with the youth and served on the Missionary Circle.

Edith was well known for her ability to plan and direct plays and programs for special occasions.

She also was a member of Union United Church of Christ in Norfolk, Virginia, where she was a strong prayer warrior. On September 29, 2002, she was ordained as a deacon and served faithfully until her health declined.

Edith was a teacher and educator in Southampton County at several schools: Krimple Crossing, Manry Grade School, Hill, Vicksville, Sedley and Jerusalem District Elementary School in Courtland. where she also served as the assistant principal.

She had the pleasure of seeing many of her former students go on to successful careers and share with her the impact that she made on their lives. She retired from Southampton County Public Schools after over 40 years of service.

Edith was affiliated with many organizations and church auxiliaries. She was a member of Antioch Franklin Southampton No. 72, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA.

Edith married William Jennings Brown, June 6, 1949. They resided in Norfolk. Edith and her husband enjoyed traveling and visited 48 of the 50 states. Her family room in Norfolk displayed souvenirs from her adventures in each state.

In November 2010, she moved to her home on Millfield Road, Wakefield, and remained there until her death.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and all of her siblings.

Her memory will be cherished by fourteen nieces, nephews, many great-nieces, nephews, cousins and former students whose lives she has touched.

A wake service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Union United Church of Christ at 877 Goff Street in Norfolk, Va. A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, Dec. 9, at St. Luke United Church of Christ at 14166 St. Luke’s Road in Sedley, Va.

Burial will follow in The Ricks Family Cemetery in Sedley, Va.