SEDLEY — Lillian Helen Fiers Ricks, 105, passed away at East Pavilion Nursing Home in Franklin on July 30, 2019.

She was born on Dec. 19, 1913, in Southampton County, Virginia, and was the fourth of nine children born to the late Onie and Linwood Fiers.

Her one and only marriage of more than 58 years was to Calvin L. Ricks (deceased 1991), and from that union were born six children including a set of twins.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Edna; her son, Wilson; and all of her eight siblings.

She was fondly known as Hun, Mom, Big Mama, Auntie, Mother Ricks and Ms. Lillian. She was loved, admired and respected by all; she will be truly missed but always remembered.

Ms. Lillian always put her faith and family first and had a great love for Bible study. At an early age, she joined St. Paul Holiness Church, Sedley, where she faithfully attended and was supportive until her health failed. She held various positions and was active in many auxiliaries at St. Paul, as well as at national level of the Apostolic Faith Church of God. She spoke frequently and affectionately of her position as head cook for conventions held at the church’s Old General Assembly in Suffolk and Franklin.

Cooking was one of her primary passions along with immaculate housekeeping, sewing, shopping, gardening, solving crossword puzzles and traveling.

She never knew the taste of strong/alcoholic drink, tobacco or any vices she considered unhealthy. She believed all things in moderation was the secret to her great longevity.

Left to cherish her many loving memories are four very caring and most devoted children: Eleanor Morrison of Chesapeake, Virginia; Willard Ricks (Lorene) of Courtland, Virginia; Ethel Brooks of Wilmington, North Carolina; and Ruby Wilson of Chesapeake, six loving and supportive grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family extends special thanks to East Pavilion and Hospice of VA nurses, caregivers and staff; to Amber Warner, longtime private caregiver; and to The Tidewater News for publishing fantastic birthday announcements for Mom over the last several years.

Viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, in Engram Funeral Home, 1001 Armory Drive, Franklin, and in the church at 10 a.m. one hour before the service.

The celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, in Apostolic Faith Church of God (AFCOG), 680 Oak St., Franklin; Procession will follow to burial and repast at St. Paul Holiness Church, 29491 Sycamore Ave., Sedley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Tribute Page for Lillian Ricks @ www.alz.org or by calling 1-800-272-3900. Staff is available 24/7 to guide you through the very easy process.