Supt. Charles Anderson Hicks, Sr.

Superintendent Dr. Charles A. Hicks Sr. peacefully slipped into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 6:06 AM, December 25, 2023, Christmas Morning, surrounded by his loving family as they sang songs of praise, glorifying God for the life of a Servant of God well lived. Charles A. Hicks was born February 13, 1943, in Portsmouth, VA, the third child to the late James and Georgia Hicks. He was raised in the city of Portsmouth and attended school at Douglas Park Elementary, S. H. Clark Jr. High, and graduated in 1962 from I. C. Norcom High School. In high school, he played football, basketball, and ran track, achieving four-letterman status for his accomplishments. Dr. Hicks was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan as well! On the 14th day of February in 1965, Dr. Hicks celebrated his birthday by uniting in holy matrimony to the love of his life, his rib, Ms. Louise Lofton and to this beautiful union, three wonderful children were born. His family was the light and joy of his life. Dr. Hicks was a hard-working man and a provider for his family. For thirteen years, he worked for Mrs. Smith’s Pie Company. He later became employed with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and retired December 31, 2012, after thirty-four years. Dr. Charles A. Hicks Sr.’s introduction into the gospel ministry started as early as 1957 when he began singing with various quartet groups around the country. During this time, God touched his heart, and he acknowledged his call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and in November of 1981, he preached his initial sermon and received his minister’s license. In 1982 he received his Elder’s license and in 1983 he served as Assistant Pastor at Copeland Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church of America (Portsmouth, VA), while under the leadership of the late Bishop Hursell C. Williams. After coming into the Church of God in Christ, Dr. Hicks was appointed in 1984 to serve as the Supply Pastor of St. Mary’s Church of God in Christ, in Suffolk, VA. In 1986 Dr. Hicks was appointed as the Pastor of Mt. Zion Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C., which is now Greater Mt. Zion Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. The first service was held on December 31, 1986, and in 1987, Dr. Hicks was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ by the Founder of the Virginia Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction – The New Frontier, the late Bishop Levi E. Willis Sr. Dr. Hicks was a friend to many and will be deeply missed but cherished and remembered for many years to come. He has left an indelible thumbprint on many lives; some he may not have known! His life was his ministry and ministry was his life! Dr. Hicks was preceded in death not only by his parents James and Georgia Hicks, but by his one and only son and namesake, Charles A. Hicks Jr., and four siblings, Jessie Hicks, Rosa Lee Hicks, Odessa Rodgers and James Hicks Jr. Those remaining to cherish fond memories of Dr. Charles A. Hicks and to ensure his legacy continues include his wife and ministry partner for fifty-eight years, Eldress Louise Lofton Hicks; two daughters, Elder Charlene Puryear and her husband, Robbie Puryear, and Charmaine Hicks; five loving grandchildren, Brianna Mounter, Venita Brown, Shirne’qua Barrett, Daiyzah Glenn, and Charles Jackson Hicks; one great grandchild Tyshaun Anthony and another on the way; one sister, Mrs. Ida Freeman; four sisters-in-love, Rosa Lee Snead (Mack, deceased), Elnora Harrison (Cliff), Milinda Towns, Karen Harrell (Joseph, deceased) and Henrietta Lofton; church family, the Greater Mt. Zion Tabernacle Church of God in Christ; two special Goddaughters, who he loved as his own, Mrs. Dionne Jackson-McNair and Missionary Melanie Brown; a very dear best friend/brother, Rev. Warren Elley; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, friends, and co-laborers in the Gospel.

Supt. Charles Anderson Hicks, Sr.

February 13, 1943 - December 25, 2023