Bernice HICKS

1935 - 2016

HICKS, Bernice Dallenbach "Dal" Bernice "Dal" Hicks, of Dunwoody, passed away December 2, 2016. Born in New Brunswick, NJ, on September 18, 1935, to Alfred Frederic Dallenbach and Grace Matyus, she grew up in Milltown, NJ, and moved to Washington, DC, in 1955. There she met and fell in love with Dana M. Hicks II. The couple married in 1956 and were together for more than 58 years. They moved to Dunwoody in 1965 and lived there for 49 years. Dal considered motherhood her greatest accomplishment in life. She raised her four sons in a principled home filled with unconditional love and daily doses of encouragement. Dal gave her all for her boys, making countless trips to team practices, games, Boy Scout meetings, youth fellowship meetings, and various school activities. She was a tireless cheerleader and "Super Team Mother" for their many sports teams. A devout Christian, Dal was an active member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church. She sang for decades in the Chancel Choir and served as a church elder. Dal and Dan welcomed visitors from around the world into their home and hosted numerous exchanges through Friendship Force International. Dal served as President of the FFI Atlanta club and led exchanges to Australia, New Zealand, and numerous European countries. An accomplished cook, Dal operated a catering business during the 1970s and 80s. During this time, she catered a dinner at PPC for former President Jimmy Carter. An avid gardener, Dal spent many happy hours making her yard one of the most beautiful in the neighborhood. She enjoyed sharing flowers and vegetables from her garden with neighbors and friends. Dal is preceded in death by her husband, Dana M. Hicks II, her parents, and her sister, Nancy Dallenbach Johnson. She is survived by four sons: Dana III and wife Caroline (children Mariclaire and Ian), David, Dean Randall and wife Graeme (son Palmer), Dale and wife Kim (sons Parker and Hunter). A Memorial Service and Celebration of Dal Hicks's life will be held on Saturday, December 17, at 11am in Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Presbyterian Church at 3434 Roswell Road in Atlanta. A reception will follow in the hall beneath the chapel. Byars Funeral Home in Cumming is serving the Hicks family. Donations in Dal Hicks's memory may be made to Friendship Force International or to Peachtree Presbyterian Church.