Virginia Lee Hicks

Virginia was born on October 27, 1921 and lived a full and loving life for 97 years. She died in Redlands on March 11, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Chauncey. Her sweet spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.  

She was born in Huntington, West Virginia.  There seems to be something about that area that inexplicably becomes a part of the soul of those who are born and raised there. Something that shapes their character and remains a part of their hearts forever. She grew up in the peaceful hills of Huntington and inside the heart of that town beats Marshall University.  The lives of all who live there are touched by loyalty to that school.  "We are Marshall" are words that bind everyone together.

It was there, at a Sorority party, she met the love of her life, Chauncey.  In the receiving line to greet the fraternity, another would be suitor who already knew her, asked if there was anything that he could do for her.  She said yes… you could introduce me to that guy over there.  Although surely not the answer he was hoping for, he made the introduction and that was the beginning of a love story that would span over 60 years of her life.   

Anyone who knew her for long, knew that you could not think of one, or talk of one without thinking of the other, that was their story.  Her beauty, her smile, her talent as an artist, her love of music and dancing, were more than he could resist.   

War War II swept over the country with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and every able bodied man in town enlisted the very next day.  Her beloved Chauncey was off to war.  The whole town waited for the safe return of all those who answered the call.  On two occasions he was missing and she waited for word of his safe return.  God always looked out for them and against the odds, he returned to her on leave and they were married.

This began the adventure that took Virginia around the world at the side of her beloved.  Her beauty and hospitality made her the perfect Air Force wife at a time of pillbox hats and white gloves.  She and Chauncey loved to dance and almost never failed to clear the floor when they did, they were an irrepressible pair, always the life of the party. 

She welcomed her four children as she traveled the world - a son in Huntington, West Virginia, a son in Germany and a daughter each in Texas and California.

After the end of world war II, they were stationed in Germany.  German families were displaced to house American soldiers, but she and Chauncey would have no part of that.   They stayed together with the family whose house they were assigned to.  And like so many who knew them, they formed a lifelong bond. 

After Germany it was on to the Middle East and back to the States to several different bases. They later moved to the Philippines where he was involved in flying for the United Nations.  She was asked to model here and that is the picture that you see above.   Her final destination was Redlands as Chauncey was stationed and retired to serve as a Civilian at Norton Air Force Base. 

In Redlands she was able to finish raising her family in one place. She took classes and was able to develop her talent to become an award winning artist. She and Chauncey continued to stay connected with family and lifelong friends all over the world. They were truly loved by so many. She is now reunited with her beloved for eternity. 

Survivors include sons Michael Hicks of Washington and Patrick Hicks of Oregon; daughters Missy Myrick of Washington, and Jennifer Anzaldi of Cherry Valley, California; three grandchildren, and two great grandsons.
A Celebration of Life was held at the First United Methodist Church, 1 E Olive Avenue, Redlands, on Saturday March 16th at 2:00 pm.
She is interred at Riverside National Cemetery.
Sympathy cards may be sent to Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel 703 Brookside Ave., Redlands, California 92373.
Her love of animals may be honored by donations to YAPS, an animal placement shelter in Yucaipa.
Or donations may be made to Heroes Warehouse in Fontana, California, in honor of her life by the side of one who faithfully served his Country. They provide previously homeless vets and their families with furniture and essential for their permanent houses at no cost.