Joan A. Hicks, 80, a lifelong resident of Chester, NH, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at her home. Mrs. Hicks was born in Chester, on September 8, 1927, a daughter of the late Wayland and Alta (Lawrence) Berry. She will be fondly remembered by the students whom she served over the many years at Chester Elementary School. Mrs. Hicks was a former switchboard operator for the Chester Phone Company and a lifelong member of Chester Congregational Baptist Church. She had a great love for kids and babysat often through the years. Mrs. Hicks loved the outdoors and as she called it, “ scratching around” in the yard.
She is survived by her husband, Clifford A. Hicks, a daughter, Pamela Hicks of Exeter, NH, a special nephew James Berry and his wife Leah of Londonderry, NH, and by her grandchildren, Elise and Nick Berry, both of Londonderry, who she adored. She is also survived by one brother, Paul Berry and his wife Edna of Raymond, NH; one sister, Celia Warren and her husband Douglas of Port St. Lucie, FL as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two daughters, Patricia and Cindy Lou Hicks and five siblings.
Visiting hours were held Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 4-7:30 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. Funeral services were held on Friday at 1:30 pm in the Chester Congregational Baptist Church, 4 Chester St., Chester. The burial followed in Great Hill Cemetery, Chester. Memorials may be made to Chester Congregational Baptist Church, PO Box 306, Chester, NH 03036.