Bernice Hicks

The battle was fought, and the victory was won. Bernice "Nzigna" Hicks slipped away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, to her heavenly reward. After a lengthy illness, God saw that His child was getting weary, and He bade her to come home. Bernice's earthly journey, and all her tasks had been completed, and the Master was pleased. He beckoned His child to come home and rest with the precious words "well done good and faithful servant". Bernice was obedient to God's will, and she let go, and let God have His way.
Bernice, lovingly known as Niecy, was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 8, 1950, to Beatrice Adams and Arnold Shipman. She was lovingly raised by Garfield and Ruth Adams. Bernice was educated in the Trenton Public School System, graduating from Trenton Central High School in 1968. She attended Trenton State College, now known as The College of New Jersey, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1972 as well as a New Jersey Certification in Early Childhood Education. Bernice furthered her education through attending graduate programs at Rider College and TCNJ.
She taught in the Hamilton Township School System for thirty-four years. After an exemplary professional career, she retired in 2006. During her tenure, she supervised students from Rider College, preparing them for the important calling of teaching. She served as a cooperative teacher and mentor for junior practicum and new teachers. Bernice's mission extended beyond her classroom as she aligned with programs, activities, and leadership roles that benefited her students, parents, community and, especially, her children. Bernice understood the importance of raising children to be intellectually and socially prepared to meet the challenges of a complex world, and she was entrenched in her children's education and development. She served as president of the PTA/PTO in Trenton Public Schools, where she resided with her family. She served as PTA Executive Board Representative and held a PTA Lifetime membership. In her professional school district, Bernice was also a Hamilton Teacher Education Association Representative, a member of the PEACE Core Team, and facilitator for Building Community through Diversity Workshops.
Bernice was also an original member, and two-term president of Excellence Through Education (ETE) that was formed by African American educators to provide opportunities for all students. Upon retirement, Bernice was a member of the Retired Educator of Mercer County Education Association and the NJ Retiree's Education Association. She was also a member of Just Us Retirees. She was one of the founders of Afrikan Peoples Action School. Bernice's Christian Walk was central and the foundation of her life. She found special joy and solace at Union Baptist Church, and in the teaching of her Faith Leader, Rev. Simeon D. Spencer. As a member of Union Baptist Church, she assisted with the Meals on Wheels program was a member of the Women's Ministry. Each year, she also assisted with Vacation Bible School. Bernice's professional and community accomplishments have been heralded. She earned the coveted Governor's Teacher of the Year Award in 1993. She also received a New Jersey Education Association Certificate of Appreciation, The Excellence Through Education Award, and a Mercer County Community College Certificate. Community awards include resolutions from New Jersey State and General Assembly and the Juneteenth 2000 Committee Heros/Sheroes Award.
Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Beatrice Adams and Arnold Shipman; mother and father, Ruth and Garfield Adams; and brothers, Russell Armstrong and Leonard Adams.
She leaves to cherish a life well lived her beloved husband of 53 years, Curtis Hicks; mother-in-law, Sally Hicks; sister, Brenda Adair; four children, Anita Lassiter, Shawnzaa Hicks (Cheryl), Akia Flowers (Eric), and Curtis Malik Hicks; grandchildren, James, Najah, Aniya, Mitchell, Eriel, Seanzaa, Kimora, and Mia; great grandchildren, Shay'la, Semaj, Olivia, Noble, and Zurii; sister-in-law, Barbara Anderson; brother-in-law, Forrest Kenny Hicks (Francine); special cousins, Herbert Adams and Garfield Adams Jr.; very dear friend, Beverly Latifah Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.