Betty Jean "Bj" Hicks

HENDERSON- Betty Jean “BJ” Coile Hicks, 88, died Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Maria Parham Health. Born November 15, 1935 in Lenoir County, she was the daughter of the late Lena Jones Coile and Taplie Coile and was the widow of Harold Clarke “Joe” Hicks. “BJ” graduated high school in Lenoir County, earned her Associate’s degree from Louisburg College, her Bachelor’s degree from Pfeiffer University, and her Master’s degree from North Carolina Central University. She was a member of First United Methodist Church Henderson which brought her to Henderson. Upon relocating to Henderson, BJ was the Director of Youth Ministry and Christian Education at First United Methodist Church. As a church member she belonged to the United Women in Faith, Circle 5. BJ retired from the Vance County School System, for which she was the first and only homebound teacher in Vance County and she taught at four different elementary schools in the county. Her community involvement spanned many different groups; she was one of the oldest members of the Sans Souci Literary Club, formerly serving as the President; a former member of the Henderson Junior Woman’s Club and the Women’s League of Henderson; a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority; and she was the oldest volunteer at the Henderson Family YMCA, until her health prevented her from doing so. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church Henderson by Rev. George Loveland. Inurnment will follow in the church's columbarium wall. BJ is survived by her daughter, Julia H. Langston of Henderson; her son, Thurston W. Hicks,II and wife, Tina of Kittrell; her grandson, Edwin W. “Beau” Langston, IV of Henderson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, James Henry Coile, Bobby Coile and Nixon Coile. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 114 Church Street, Henderson, NC 27536 or Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, 1924 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604-2147 (Donate Online Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC ).