Olive Ricks

Mother Olive "Ollie" Ricks transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, September 23, 2024 surrounded by her family at her residence. Ollie was married to Cecil Ricks for 47 years until his passing in 2000. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ransom and Emily; stepmother, Elizabeth; brothers, Ransom Jr, Henry Lee, Leon, Leroy, and Lee Thomas; and sisters, Mary Midgette and Queen Greene. Left to cherish her precious memories are her loving daughters, Ada "Angie" Harris (Joseph, deceased), Cynthia "Deenie" Ricks, Dawn "Nettie" Ricks, all of Chesapeake and Valerie Ricks-Bell (Losko) of North Carolina; grandchildren, Eric (Ayisha), Erica, Renae, Jared (Chassity), Joey, Phillip, & Daijah; great-grands, Ezra, Micah, Jada, Kamari, Rashard, Sabbath, Shiloh, Leilani, Alana, and Klarke; special niece, Deborah Martin; adopted daughters, Mary Williams and Shawanda Robinson; a special friend, Emily Sutton; her sisters, Evelyn Hopkins, Carrie Lucas, Lucy Greene, and Carolyn Greene; one brother, William Greene; one sister-in-law, Agnes Greene, and a host of other relatives and friends. Ollie was a faithful member of the Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over 70 years where she served as the kitchen ministry chairperson. She led the Sr. Usher ministry as well as the Sunbeam ushers, and a was member of the Beautification & Hospitality, and the Women's Fellowship ministries. She was very instrumental in a lot of the fundraising projects for the church by selling dinners. She was also the church sexton for many years. Ollie was a woman of few words; but when she spoke, she spoke VOLUMES. Ollie enjoyed watching her stories, court TV, staying current with the news, and listening to gospel music. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and good food; and family gatherings were regularly held there. Ollie was the most remarkable cook. She made her world-famous potato salad and chicken salad whenever it was requested and her pineapple cake was to die for. She enjoyed making her loved ones' favorite cake for their birthdays and prepared food for the sick. Ollie especially adored the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and was the caregiver to many children over the years as their parents worked. She taught people to be respectful, fair, and kind to others, leading by example. She was an honest person and her favorite saying was "there's a dead cat on the line somewhere and it's gon smell afterwhile."

Olive Ricks

July 7, 1931 - September 23, 2024