Mattie Hicks

On Thursday, October 30, 2009, the meek and humble Mother Mae Hicks-Hawkins grew her angelic wings and peaceably yield to a higher call and went home to be with the Lord after a seventy year course.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2009 at Life Cathedral Church of God in Christ, 1301 Webster Ave. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Mrs. Hicks will be available for viewing from 12:00 noon to 8 pm on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.
Mother Mattie Mae Hawkins-Hicks was born June 24, 1939 in Downsville, Texas to Adeal Dixie and Gertrude Simmons Hawkins. She and her twin sister were the third and fourth children born to this union.

At an early age, she united with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Downsville where she sang in the young adult choir and a gospel group comprised of Christian young ladies from the Downsville area. After leaving Mount Pleasant, Mattie united with Pentecostal Church of God In Christ in Waco, TX under the pastorage of Elder A. LaDell Thomas, Sr. which has transitioned to Life Cathedral Church of God In Christ Worship Center, Superintendent Richard L. Thomas, Sr., Pastor.

Along this journey and until her health recently began to fail, she faithfully served in various capacities, including President of the Young Women's Christian Council, Sr. Adult Choir member, Mother's Board Choir, Usher Board treasurer, and the Mother's Board.

Mattie grew up in Downsville and graduated from Downsville High School. After marriage, she attended McLennan Community College where she received her license to work in the medical field as a Licensed Vocational Nurse-LVN. During her early practice days, she worked for Hillcrest Baptist Hospital. She later found employment with Waco Veteran's Affairs Administration where she remained until retirement, 20 plus years. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her natural family and catering special events but especially found pleasure engaging the Life Cathedral church family whether cooking for gatherings and occasions or ushering for Local, District or State functions.

At the age of 21, Mattie married Henry Lee Cole Hicks. They remained married for 24 years, and to this union five siblings were born.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Adeal Dixie Hawkins, Jr. and Reverend Thomas Hawkins.

She leaves to cherish and honor her memory, one daughter: Angelia L. Hicks (Wayne) Echols of Waco, TX; and four sons: Joe Arthur (Pastor Dettra) Hicks of Fort Worth, TX; Gregory DeJuan (Cynthia) Hicks and Patrick Gaylon (Fasicka) Hicks, of Arlington, TX; and Odric Adeal Hicks of Waco, TX; 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; one older sibling brother, Wilbert Hawkins of Bronx, New York; three sisters: twin Ora Smith of Waco, TX; Bertha (Cecil) Gayle of Dallas, TX; and Ada (Johnny) Neal of Waco, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, loved ones, and friends; a devoted mother-in-law, Ms. Millie Ann Davis and aunt Mattie "MT" Davis of Waco, Texas; and the Life Cathedral COGIC Worship Center spiritual family.