Mr. Thomas Edward Wicker

Life is a gift. It is not always simple; it is not always easy and is sometimes complicated. But it offers the possibility of growth, redemption and new beginnings. But with faith, the love of family and a will to always grow into one's best self, it is also rewarding. On Tuesday, July 8, 2025 the light of one such life was extinguished.
Thomas Wicker was born in Saginaw, Michigan on August 12, 1945. He was raised in Saginaw and joined the United States Army in 1966. He was Honorably Discharged after a tour in Vietnam and years of service to our country. After the Army, he found employment at Saginaw Steering Gear, GM and worked for 30 years in plants 1, 2 and 6, retiring in 1999. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family on July 8, 2025.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mollie Jeanette Wicker; three daughters, Jeanelle (Arik) Smith, Jeanette (Antione) Brown and Tamara (Anthony) Genwright; sons, Thomas (Letty) Franklin, Thomas Wicker, Greg Wicker, Fred Wicker, Colburn Wicker and Jemaine Wicker; grandchildren, Taylor Brown, Briana Curry, Kayla Brown, Kameron Brown, Caleb Smith, Cole Smith, Jordan Franklin and Taylor Franklin; great-grandson, Jayce Martinez; grand-godchildren, Aeriana Olivarez, G'oni Tillman, A'Kya Tillman and Macy Ford; sisters, Margie Evans and Mary Williams; brothers-in-law, William (Sonjya) Shells, Charles Shells and Robert Shells; sisters-in-law, Earnestine Shells, Allene (Gary) Loster and Barbara Shells; special older nieces, Janel Arnett and Sherrie Cook in addition to a plethora of other nieces, nephews and grandchildren; special friends, Doug Carter and brother-in-law, Robert Shells.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chapel Lawrence Wicker and Willie Mae Wicker; father and mother in-law, TC and Christine Shells; brother, Lawrence Wicker; sisters, Betty Gaines, Gloria St. Pierre, Beatrice Foster and Erma Della Terrell.
"Tommy", as he was known to many, looked forward to Sunday dinners. The door was always open to friends and family, and he loved to just sit and take in all of the laughs, stories and food especially the sweets! It was nothing for him to eat some cake topped with ice cream, followed by a donut or two and a popsicle to top it all off (dinner was often not the main course). One thing that he loved to do, even when he had weakened a bit, was playing spades and poker with his sons-in-law and grandsons (and he didn't let them win, either!). Lastly, there are some who might have described Tommy as stubborn but he would melt for his twin daughters. If Mollie asked him to do something, he might tell her "no" but Mollie had a secret weapon: Jeanette and Jeanelle. She'd have them ask him the same thing and his answer would magically turn from a "no" into a "yes".
Thomas Edward Wicker was a man who lived an extraordinary life, filled with many highs and lows. He cared deeply for his family, much more than his quiet demeanor would indicate to those not lucky enough to know him well. The measure of a man is not his words but his actions and how he replaces the mistakes of youth with maturity and faith. You have run the good race and fought the good fight. Well done, good and faithful servant!
Mollie would like to acknowledge her special friends Cindy Scott Jones, Priscilla Curry and Vicky Wilburn who are always there to support her lovingly in good times and difficult times. She would also like to acknowledge the time, effort and care provided to Thomas by the Covenant Cooper – 3rd floor staff and the Covenant Harrison – 6th floor ICU staff. Lastly, she'd like to recognize the ever-present love and support she's received from her church family at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist church.
Family Hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2025 at Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist, 2115 Wadsworth Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601, with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Kee'Laun Crum will officiate. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI 48442. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 at the church.