Lelia Theresa Hicks (Age 101) of La Plata, Maryland.

Lelia Theresa Bond Hicks was born in Bel Alton, Maryland on April 6, 1918 to the late John Henry and Mary Alice Hungerford Bond. She was the last of eleven siblings. She departed this life on Monday, April 15, 2019 at her residence. She was educated in the Charles County School System. Lelia attended Bel Alton Elementary School and much later attended Garnet Patterson Night School through the ninth grade.

Lelia was married 50 years to the late Charles Henry Hicks, from this union came James "Mack," Gloria and Charles. Lelia's first priority was raising her children. She wanted to see them graduate from high school and college because she did not have the opportunity to do either. She also provided guidance and encouragement throughout their lives.

Lelia was employed as a cook at the Bel Alton Truck Stop and Dixie's Restaurant and also worked at the Coca-Cola Plant. She also worked in her niece Bernice's, "Bond's Beauty Shop" (straightened and braided small children's hair). Later in life she entered the government work force at Patuxent Air Force Base in St. Mary's County, Naval Propellant Plant, Indian Head, Maryland and Health Education and Welfare Agency working in the Food and Drug Department in Washington, D.C. In 1971 she retired from HEW.

Lelia has been the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of her 100 ^th Birthday: Maryland Centenarians Committee, Inc., Papal Blessing from Pope Francis, Certificate from Mayor Jeannine James of LaPlata, Maryland, a medal from Mayor Bowser of Washington, D.C., trophies from bowling and many Meritorious Service Awards and certificates from the Federal Government. She also received certificates and plaques from President William Clinton and other elected officials. Lelia also has a street named "Lelia Court" in LaPlata, Maryland. Lelia had a Birthday Extravaganza celebrating her 100 ^th Birthday on April 15, 2018, at Camelot by Martin's. It was a celebration to be remembered!

Lelia prayed every day and when she wasn't feeling her best near her end she wanted you to say at least the "Lord's Prayer" with her. Lelia attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a member of Ladies Sodality and Ladies Auxiliary #301. She was a Life Time Member of Willing Helpers Society, Inc. served as Treasurer, Charles County NAACP and Busy Bee Club. She found great satisfaction in planning trips for the famous Busy Bee Club to Rocky Way Beach, Niagara Falls, New York City, Atlantic City, Boston, and New Orleans.

Lelia enjoyed activities such as traveling, playing cards of all types, knitting, crocheting, jacks champion and also taught herself tap dance. Lelia taught anyone to dance everywhere she went, but her favorite was the waltz. Lelia looked forward to bowling tournaments and conventions. She bowled until she was 89 years of age. Lelia started family reunions because she believed in family. That meant a lot of time trying to hold everyone together. Lelia loved to attend sandlot baseball games to see her son, brothers and nephews play and win many of the games. In her later years, Evelyn, Gary, Gloria and Lelia played a card game called pitch every Wednesday night and she was very upset if they couldn't play. Lelia really loved to party at home and away.

She was a loving, caring, strong willed individual with a Heart of Gold who was always ready to give advice. Some of her words of wisdom were, "Don't go to bed angry with your husband or anyone," "Leave the kitchen and dining room tables clean," "Get your education," "Save some money, even if it is a penny, quarter—save something!" Lelia loved watching Judge Judy and Steve Harvey "Family Feud." If you got her upset she would ask anybody to find Judge Judy's phone number "because she knew Judge Judy would hear her case!!"

Lelia loved her two grandchildren very much. She "adored" Tyson and he was always taking care of her at home. She often referred to him as "Dr. Bransome." She loved Dr. Bransome as he would call her all day checking in and making sure she followed his instructions. She cherished her times spent with Kim and Kizzy (dog) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where Kim has lived since 1994. Lelia visited her very often until she was unable to travel. She talked with her every day and always ended the conversation with the Lord's prayer and a hearty Hallelujah! Lelia was also loved and known in North Carolina by many of Kim's friends, Mother Delores Thomas, Pastor Sharon Parker-Pollard, Synthia Salter, and Mrs. Elizabeth Gray of Winston-Salem, North Carolina!

Lelia was preceded in death by her parents John Henry and Mary Alice Hungerford Bond, husband, Charles Henry Hicks, sons; James Colbert Hicks, and Charles Ralph Hicks, eleven brothers and sisters; Agnes Butler, Bessie Lee, Alice Mason, Naomi Jackson, Victoria Lee, Kathleen Bond, Nannie Clark, Genevieve Thomas, Xavier, Bennie and John Bond; and sister-in-law, Louise Dunlap (Philadelphia).

Lelia is survived by daughter, Gloria Bransome Jefferson (Joshua), two grandchildren; David Tyson and Kim Theresa Bransome, devoted great nephew; John Bond (Irene), niece; Mary Evelyn Farmer Brown, great niece; Deborah Bivins, godchildren; Glenda Bond Cross and Vanessa Brown Taylor. In addition, Lelia received visits regularly from Jeffrey and James Butler, Roland and Rose Brown, Kristin Butler, Betty Barnes, Wayne Barnes and Barbara Kilson. She also will be remembered by other relatives and friends whose hearts she touched during the many years God granted her to live in our midst.

Her Viewing will be, 8:00 am, until Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am, Friday, April 26, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646.

Interment, church cemetery.