Pattie Sue Hicks Smith

Our beloved mother was born to Annie Laurel Hill on September 10, 1934, and was later adopted by her William and Mary Hicks. She spent her early years embracing the rhythms of farm life before stepping into the world of manufacturing, where she continued to build a life grounded in hard work and resilience. Later in life, Mom earned her nurse's aide certificate and began working in home health care, faithfully serving others until retiring in her late seventies.

On November 22,1950, she married our father, Hannie Richard Smith, and together they welcomed four beautiful daughters-Estelle, Gladys, Helen, and Carolyn-and one handsome son, Haynie Jr. Our father preceded her in death. She also lovingly raised her eldest granddaughter, Zaneilia Smith (Harris), beginning when Zaneilia was about six years old.

Throughout her life, Mom faced many challenges, yet she met each one with determination and unwavering faith. Her trust in the Lord carried her through every season. One memory we hold dear is the many mornings when she prepared breakfast, we would hear her singing "Walk with Me" or "Heavenly Father." These songs awakened our own awareness of God's presence and His power to work things out. We are unsure of the exact moment she received Christ, but we are certain it was at an early age.

We knew our mother to be strong, generous, caring, and determined-a woman who pursued her vision with grace and conviction. She instilled in us good manners, respect for others, and a deep faith in God. These values are the legacy she leaves behind.

Mom spent her remaining days as a resident of Heritage Hall, where she made many friends and was cared for by an exceptional staff. We are deeply grateful to every nurse, certified nurse's aide (CNA), custodian, laundry attendant, and member of the administration who assisted her or played a part in making her stay pleasant. Even while residing at Heritage Hall, she faithfully kept her membership at Cornerstone of Deliverance Church located in Kenbridge, Virginia.

Though we can no longer see her physically, we know she lives within us-her children, grandchildren, and the generations to come. Her DNA, her teachings, and her love continue to shape who we are. We mourn her passing, yet we rejoice in the blessing of having her in our lives.

We forget that mom ever frowned and choose to remember her smile, we forget unkind words mom have spoken and choose to remember something good mom has done, we forget mom had a heartache and choose to remember her joy, we forget that mom stumbled and blundered and sometimes fell by the way and choose to remember that mom fought hard battles and won the miracles of her life victories in Christ.

She leaves to cherish her memory her five children named above; one son in law, Apostle Samuel R. Peters, Sr.; one daughter in law, Sharon Coleman Smith; one grandson in law, Stanley C. Harris, Jr.; seven grandchildren (one grandson preceded her in death); fifteen great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister in law, Rebecca Scriber; a loving family of nieces, nephews, and cousins; two special nieces, Annie and Edith Hicks; a dear friend, Mary Smith; the Cornerstone of Deliverance family; and a host of sisters and brothers in Christ.