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Harriet Hicks Obituary
Harriet was born June 5, 1933, in Franklinton, NC to the late Grover B and Harriet Mohorn Harris. She graduated from Women’s College of the University of North Carolina later continuing her education at the University of Richmond.
Harriet started her teaching career in 1955 in South Boston, VA and the transferred to Manchester High School in VA. Harriet completed her teaching career as choral director at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA where she will be remembered for her brilliant direction of many Broadway musicals, classical performances and yearly direction of Handel’s Messiah. She also guest conducted throughout the state of Virginia and traveled overseas performing with Robert Shaw.
She retired in 1991 after almost 30 years at Thomas Dale High. Harriet will be remembered always for her incredible musical gifts and her amazing ability to reach out to her students. Words cannot express what she has meant to her family.
She is survived by her husband, John Anderson Hicks of Murfreesboro, NC; daughter, Harriet Elizabeth Baldwin of Mooresville, NC; son, Graham H. Bruce, III of Rockwell, NC; stepson, Mathew A. Hicks of Corpus Christi, TX; and niece, Kimberly Cole, of Chester, VA; She also is survived by eight grandchildren and her brother, William Harris of Cedar Point.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 21, 2010 in Murfreesboro, NC at the Murfreesboro Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m.
Friends my visit from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 24th at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 504 E. Mason St., Franklinton, NC.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. from the Franklinton United Methodist Church, in Franklinton with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at the church education center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Franklinton United Methodist Church, 109 North Main Street Franklinton, NC 27525.
The Hicks family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Franklinton Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harriet Hicks
John Gravitt
April 22, 2018
I knew Harriet as Mrs. Roberts, formerly Harriet Hortense Harris from my days at Manchester High School. She was previously married to a Dr. Roberts from the South Boston, Virginia area. I met her as a sophomore student in 1961, her first year of teaching at Manchester. Like many young impressionable men, I fell in love with her. She was truly a beautiful lady, but it didn't take long to see her inner beauty and dedication as a teacher. If it had not been for her, I would have probably been a high school drop out. I took every opportunity to be a part of everything she taught and she forever changed my life. Since then, music has been a major part of my life, studying music at Richmond Professional Institute and ultimately successfully going into the music business until my recent retirement. There will always be a special place in my heart for Mrs. Roberts. As one goes through life, he meets one or two people that have a great impact, and Harriet was one of those people. I think of her periodically and miss her.
Barbara Hutchison Walker
June 11, 2010
I was a student at Manchester High School from 1966-1969 and was a member of Lance Singers. Out of my whole school experience only two teachers have never been forgotten and she was one of them. She was a special person and made such a difference to a whole generation of young people.
Janet Pooley
May 31, 2010
A wonderful, wonderful teacher. She could teach absolutely anyone to sing, beautifully.
May 27, 2010
Out of all the people at Thomas Dale, Harriet was the one who was the most inluential on me. I always cherished coming to choir class an though she was hard on all of her students, harriet ALWAYS got the best out of all of us.
Our shows were always first rate and we always earned superior ratings when we competed at Festival. Harriet, I know now that you are up with the heavenly choir lending your many talents and making that a better place.
Jeff & Melvalyn Pate
May 25, 2010
John, please know that Harriet found TRUE peace the moment she met the Lord Jesus and identified with HIS death almost 2,000 years ago. May you know His peace as well...
Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." [John 14:1-2]
May 22, 2010
John, J and I are so sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed our time with Harriet and you helping Charlie getting Sibley's ready to open. She was a lovely woman and a true lady. She will be missed. Barbara and J.C. King
Beckie Nodden
May 22, 2010
Harriet was my sister-in-law and then my sister and friend. I was married to her brother G.B. Harris, Jr. and we
had two daughters - Kim and Wendy.
After we were divorced, there were some
ups and downs, naturally, but we later
became very good friends. She was
especially close to Kim when she was a
little girl and adult. Beth was born
when Kim was twelve and then she helped
baby-sit.
When Harriet was at Manchester teaching, she carried members of her
chorus to Richmond so that they could
see an audition for a production by
the Richmond Theatre Group of Kismet.
Her students urged her to try-out for a
part and she did. She got the leading
role in the production and much praise
from the critics. Graham Bruce was also
in the production with a walk-on part or two. It was the only performance I
got to see, and I was in awe.
She often told me she wished she could
type - Oh Dear Harriet, how I wish I
could have sung and played piano. You
and your brothers were very talented, and I am glad you were a part of my life. Sing gloriously in the Lord's
Heavenly Choir.
Jim Mann
May 21, 2010
My heart is sadden at the passing of one wonderful and kind woman. Harriet was my teacher at Manchester High School from 1963 to 1966. She was the true example of a star teacher. Because of her, I too went into teaching. She always had time to talk and laught with you. She made you feel that you could take on the whole world and win. Working on her with the musical she was so known for, was a part of my life I will always cherish. My heart is sad, but my spirit rejoices that she past my way and touch not only my life, but my heart. So to Harriet I say thank you for all the lives you touched, and all the dreams you made come true. Heaven is a brighter place tonight and the angel choir just got a star of it own.
Judy Crocker
May 21, 2010
Beth, Tripp and Family,
I was a student of Mrs. Bruce at Thomas Dale High School from 1969-1972. I was sad to hear of your loss. I was fortunate to stay in touch with your Mom and John until she moved to NC. Oh the memories of the Broadway plays and musicals we performed,from Once Upon A Mattress to Carnival to Guys and Dolls and Charlie Brown's Christmas. The awards we garnered from Regionals and State were due to her pulling the beautiful music from within us. She had a positive impact on every student and person she met, even in these last years. My love of singing, love of all genres of music and my many trips to NYC to see the theatre are the result of your mothers impact on me. Today, I pass these loves on to my family because of her. The two of you were in a play with us at Thomas Dale and your mother was so proud of you. Thank you for sharing her with us,Thomas Dale Class of 1972. With deepest sympathy, Judy King Crocker
Mickey Webb
May 20, 2010
I knew her as Mrs. Schaeffer at Thomas Dale High School. My fondest memories of high school are of the times I spent in her class and performing in the musicals and chorus. She instilled in me a love of music and theatre that continues to this day and helped shape me into the person I am today. Thank you Mrs. Schaeffer, you are loved and will be missed.
May 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Schaeffer's family. I will personally miss her her talent and passion. She inspired my love for music and theater and I feel priviledged to be able to say she was my teacher. A great loss loss. She will be missed.
Deborah Anderson ( Thomas Dale Class of 1981)
Wanda Vincent Simicsak
May 20, 2010
Beth, Tripp & family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Mrs. Schaeffer was a wonderful teacher, person and friend. She shared her talent with many. She was a huge inspiration to me & my love of music. She will be greatly missed by all. Class of '80 Thomas Dale High School. Wanda Vincent Simicsak
June Laine Van Thoen
May 20, 2010
My life is richer because of this amazing woman. I had the privilege of being her student at Manchester High School and then student teaching with her at Thomas Dale. She was also a true and treasured friend. Because of her, I chose music as my career. She was the best, and her teachings and trainings and LOVE of music and people, live on.
Deana Williams
May 20, 2010
I remember her as Harriett Schaeffe my choir teacher. She taught me so much! If we needed someone to talk too she was there. She will be Greatly Missed!! Class of "80"
Terry Parmer Peters
May 20, 2010
I was one of Mrs. Schaeffer's chorus students and I loved her dearly! She was so full of passion and excitement! I learned to come out of my shell and perform in front of a crowded room thanks to her. All of her students loved her! I will always cherish my memories of her and hold them close to my heart!!!!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Terry Parmer Peters (Lanexa, VA)
Darlene Dolan
May 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Harriets family. I am an alumni of Thomas Dale (class of 80) and was a student. Harriet was and is an inspiration to me and she will be missed greatly! Thank you Harriet for sharing youre talent with all of us! Darlene Dolan (Sister Bertha "The Sound of Music" 1980)
Sussan VanArnam Haritos
May 19, 2010
"Ms. Shaeffer (as I knew her) was my chorus teacher for years at Thomas Dale. She was a perfectionist and it showed in all she did and in all we learned from her. I still sing in a choral group in N.C. but have never had a voice teacher like her since high school. God Bless her family in this tremendous loss."
Laurie Thompson Surles
May 19, 2010
As an alumni of Thomas Dale High School and her choral program, my heart goes out to her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate her life and her many accomplishments.
May 19, 2010
We had alot of FUN with John and Harriet on Donald's boat.A treat to have known her.Our PRAYERS go out to her love ones.The Garner Family
Amy Hazle Hedgepeth
May 19, 2010
Thomas Dale Alumni are saddened by her passing but thankful for the chance to have known her. She was a wonderful teacher, full of passion, with a rare gift. She had the voice of an angel and a beautiful, patient personality. Her smile could instantly light up a room. She sang at my wedding nearly 16 years ago and I will cherish that memory. God bless you, Harriett!! My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends. God knew she was the next perfect choice to join the angels singing in Heaven!!
Rachel and Oscar Davis
May 19, 2010
I have known Harriet all her life and we have been blessed to hear heer wonderful voice and extrodinary ability on the keyboard many times. Her God given talent was a gift to all of us who knew her. Our heartfelt prayers and love are with John and Bill and the family. Wish we could be with them to bid a final farewell to a dear friend. Our memories live on.
Rachel and Oscar Davis
Greenville, SC
Teri Sadler
May 19, 2010
I graduated from Thomas Dale and was in Mrs. Schaffer's chorus group. She was a wonderful teacher and person. That was the one class that everyone looked forward to attending. The plays she had us in were always first class. I will keep your family in my prayers during this difficult time.
Thomas Dale class of 1982
Joe Greene
May 19, 2010
This is very sad to hear. My deepest sympathies and my prayers go out for Tripp, Beth and all of Harriet's family. She was someone special..A mentor, role model, friend and teacher beyond compare. She was an important part of my high school experience and I loved her dearly. My heart goes out to you all.
Joe Greene TD '82
Elizabeth Jones
May 19, 2010
To The Hicks Family:
Mrs. Schaffer as she was affectionately known by myself as well as my family will surely be missed. She taught us and taught us well, we will never forget her and "Handel's Messiah". May she rest in peace for she is now singing with the heavenly choir of angels.
Elizabeth James
Class of 89 TDHS
May 19, 2010
I knew her as Mrs. Bruce at Manchester High School. I was a member of the Lance Singers all girl singing group during 1964 and 1965. She was a wonderful, talented, beautiful,gifted woman and teacher. She sang "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music for our graduation June 1965 at Dogwood Dell. All of her students loved her and our lives have been so much richer by knowing her. Our Senior play was "My Fair Lady". Her musical grace and abilities and the splendid direction of Miss Patricia Steckman left audiences amazed and delighted.The cast received a standing ovation after each performance. Harriett, you are with God forever and ever, restored to your youthful beauty and grace. You will always been in our hearts and minds. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your children and entire family. Dale Harvey Johnson Virginia Beach VA
Pastor Doug Watson
May 19, 2010
All the guys in Manchester Choir in the 60's fell instantly in love with Mrs. Bruce, as we knew her. She helped shape many young lives and used music as her tool to do that. Words can not express our sense of loss. Our loss is heaven's gain. I was truly blessed to have her take an interest in my life. Oh, to hear her sing "Summertime" just one more time!
Jedina Tucker
May 19, 2010
We have lost a lovely woman with the passing of Mrs. Schaeffer. What a wonderful lady and an amazing music teacher. This woman was so patient and kind when teaching me piano. She was happy always - especially when working with us on our musicals in theatre. Thomas Dale students were blessed to have her at their school and in their lives. She will be missed. We love you, Mrs. Schaeffer!
Bonnie Morse
May 19, 2010
I remember Mrs. Roberts(Hicks) as a beautiful choral teacher at Manchester High in 1961.So sorry for her family's loss. Bonnie Brinckerhoff Morse
Cathy Lindenfelser-Estep
May 19, 2010
I knew her as Harriett Schaeffer and she was the best thing ever to happen to Thomas Dale! I remember the fun in class, the plays, the competitions, and the picnic out at the farm. She is my favorite teacher and I will miss her. Love and prayers to her family. Thanks for sharing her with so many of us!
Brian Thomas
May 19, 2010
I spent so many hours with Harriet working on shows and learn so much from her. She shaped me in ways that has let me be a better person and taught me to appreciate and recognise hard work. I have a better appreciation of the arts of all kind because it was so important to truly do a great show and performance. She sang at both my sisters weddings with Ben Stabley.
She will always be in my heart as will her family.
Brian Thomas
Suzy Roberts
May 19, 2010
I knew her as Mrs. Bruce my beloved chorus teacher at Thomas Dale. My sisters and my friends still remember the days we spent in chorus and how much it meant to us. We were so lucky to have Harriet as a teacher and mentor. I only wish every child could have a teacher to impact them the way she impacted so many of us at Thomas Dale.
Rose Hunt
May 19, 2010
An incredible teacher, friend and mentor who touched and transformed so many lives! A part of her went with each of her students into the world to make it a better place. She was truly loved and will be truly missed.
Paula Witt
May 19, 2010
Beth, Tripp & families,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May your memories of your mom comfort you always.
Tony, Paula and Dalton Witt
Ellie Jerrell
May 19, 2010
She was a great lady and choral director. She wil be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Ellie Jerrell
Kent Watson
May 19, 2010
When I first starting in school we knew her as Mrs. Roberts and I will always be thankful that she allowed that skinny kid to join the choir and helped him along the way. We all loved her dearly and was sad to have to graduate and leave her class. Betty and I hold her family in our thoughts and prayers. I like to think that they have to add another chair in Heavens Choir and make room for her. We will miss you and maybe one day you will sing "Summertime" for us again.
Betty and Kent Watson
Robin Redmond
May 19, 2010
Harriet was a very special friend to me. I will always remember the times we shared and will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Love always Robin
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