Betty Jean Hicks

On August 18, 2023, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Betty Jean Mckoy-Hicks answered God’s call from earthly labor to heavenly rest. She was born on November 3, 1942, to the late Harrell McCoy, and Lottie Zelma Mckoy, Borough, Manhattan, New York.

Betty Jean, was educated in the Borough of the Bronx, New York Public School System, and graduated from William Howard Taft  High School in 1962. After graduation, she attended Hunter Business College in Bronx New York, earning an Associate’s Degree in Secretarial Science. Shortly after she married Donald Eustis Hicks Sr. and from this union there are two children, son Donald Hicks Jr. and daughter Shunta Moyler.

Betty accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age, in the Bronx. She was a member of Feather Bed Lane Presbyterian Church, under the pastoral ship of Rev. Willis. She served as an usher and choir member there. She was surrounded and molded by her mother and women of virtue and class. They ensured that she attended and learned valuable standards at Charm School. While attending Junior High School she was a member of the volleyball team, played handball, and was a member of the skating club. While attending High School she was a member of the Debate Team and Choral Chorale.  On June 4, 1963, Betty and Donald were united in matrimony. They continued to live in the Bronx. Having a strong interest in music she joined the Kodak Rhythm and Blues Group after graduating from high school. This group sang in multiple New York community establishments. There was a proud performance at the Apollo Theater with Betty singing back up. 

She worked at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan New York for 28 years. While employed there she worked in Medical Records and Insurance Verification. There was a warm family atmosphere at the hospital.  She also became the God Parent to John, the son of a close coworker, Shirley.  She also received Employee of the Month multiple times and acknowledgements for Work Attendance. During the holiday season Betty and her family would adopt multiple families, helping to ensure that they had a joyous holiday.

Betty enjoyed the time spent in the Bronx. She worked and helped raise her family there for 31 years. She enjoyed visiting the New York Zoo, Coney Island, and dining at the Steak and Brew and White Castle restaurants. On August 9, 1979, Betty and her family moved to Chesapeake, Virginia.  She immediately met new friends.  She often played cards and socialized with her new circle of friends. She attended New Hope Church of God In Christ, Norfolk where her husband was a member.  She also fellowshipped at The Rock Church, Virginia Beach with her family. Her favorite scriptures were Psalms 51:1-10, and Psalms 91:1-10. Betty enjoyed life and spending time with beloved family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory, faithful and loving husband for 62 years, Donald Hicks Sr.; loving children, Donald Hicks Jr. (Faye) and Shunta Moyler (Herman); grandchildren, Donald Hicks III, Shanesha Moyler and Herman Moyler III; and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

“To God be the Glory for the great things He has done!”