Elizabeth (Bevelle) Hicks

Elizabeth Bevelle Hicks, lovingly known as “Bigmama”, entered her eternal rest on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018, at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington.   She was born Elizabeth Bevelle on May 4th, 1928 to the late Jim and Hattie Bevelle in Boligee, Alabama.  She was preceded in death by her two older sisters, Emma and Bessie.

In 1944, she married the late Jordan Brown, Sr.  To this union, seven children were born.  Her eldest son William (Donna) preceded her in death.  She is survived by her remaining six children: Jordan (Evelyn) Brown of Detroit; Deloris (Herman) Lee of Lexington, Josephine Price of Detroit, Mitchell (Rita) Brown of Richmond, Leon (Barbara) Brown of Cleveland, and Wanda Snow of Lexington.   In 1972, Elizabeth was re-married to the late Johnny Hicks.  During this blessed union, they adopted a son, Tyrell (Robert) Hicks. Cherishing Elizabeth’s memory, in addition to her children, are sixteen (16) grandchildren, twenty-eight (28) great grandchildren, three (3) great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins and friends.  Her extended family includes Angela Parker, Larry Hicks, Terry Hicks and Charlie Hicks.   Mourning her death also are her dear friends Mary Williams and Joyce Hardy, who remained a very devoted, loving caregiver through her final years of life.

Elizabeth accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age.  She was a devoted faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Cumberland, KY for many decades.    More importantly, she was a true servant of the Lord, and she lived her life in a way that exemplified a servant’s heart.   She believed it was her calling as a believer to visit the sick, to prepare hearty meals for her neighbors and those in need, and to pray fervently through every situation.  In the spirit of Matthew 25, Elizabeth cherished opportunities to share her hospitality with those in need, by welcoming visitors in to cook them a meal and offer them a room and to share her gospel-inspired words of encouragement.  Every chance she had, Elizabeth fulfilled the commandment to love her neighbors as herself.  

In addition to being a caring wife and mother for her family, Elizabeth discovered many passions throughout her life.   She enjoyed gardening outdoors, growing fresh fruits and vegetables for her family and for the occasional passerby.   She was a seamstress and a quiltmaker as well.   She gained true notoriety, however, for her love (and talent) for cooking and baking.   She was well known for her famous made-from-scratch yellow sheet cake, and her warm, buttery made-from-scratch biscuits.  Elizabeth used cooking as a way to show love for others, to bless them with her own thoughtful, detailed recipes, making every dish with love and care.   She would not let visitors leave without making sure their hearts and stomachs were filled.  Elizabeth was a gracious and compassionate towards others as she was sweet and kind and welcoming to all she encountered.

One of her greatest marks on this Earth was that of a prayer warrior.  Elizabeth believed in the power of prayer, and demonstrated her faith in God everyday by beginning and ending her days on her knees in intimate conversation with God.   She was a prayer advocate on behalf of her family, she lifted up her Pastor and church family, her neighbors and friends, and she prayed for those whom she never even knew.   Her greatest legacy was the lessons she passed down to any who would receive, that in the most difficult of situations, one could call on God for peace and comfort, that in the most celebratory of moments, we must give Him all praise and glory, and for all the moments in between, we can find a sweet spirit and friend in God.  

Though our hearts and minds are heavy, we exalt our Father for his grace and mercy, knowing that our mom and Bigmama is finally rejoicing in God’s presence right now.  We thank you, God, for salvation and eternal life found only in Christ Jesus. 

 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

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