Mildred Louise Ricks of 376 W. Main Street, Waverly, Virginia entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 8, 2023, in Chesapeake, Virginia at the home of her niece. She was born December 25, 1928, in Jarrett, Virginia to the late William Lester Ricks (Lester) and Mary Anderson Ricks. She was the oldest of five children. She is preceded in death by her siblings Lora Mae Ricks, James Ricks (Doretha), and Delilah Ricks Lowery (James).

As a small child, she grew up in rural Sedley, Virginia where she graduated from high school and attended Southampton Training School. She always encouraged others to go to school and to work. She worked several years before enrolling in Cosmetology school where she became a licensed cosmetologist. She established her business the Powder Puff Beauty Shop in Waverly, Virginia where she worked with her fellow cosmetologist and sister Delilah Lowery (Thumb). As a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and investor, Mildred was quite successful in her own right. She even processed James Brown's ( the Godfather of Soul) hair as he was on his road to fame.  She always attributed her success to her family, loyal customers, and the community.

She was a very devoted Christian and loyal church member of Union Hill United Church of Christ. She joined the church at an early age and began ushering at the age of 7. She served on various committees and Boards. During her tenure at Union Hill UCC, she was the church clerk for over 62 years, a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years, a Delegate at Eastern Virginia Association for over 50 years, and attended Western Sunday School Unions until she was no longer able to attend. She served on the following committees: Finance and Budget, Search, Constitution, Program, Nominating, and Culinary/Hospitality.

Left to cherish fond memories are her sister Gloria Moore (Harold) of Woodbridge, Virginia, and a number of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

She always told us to work and save some for a rainy day but always be willing to share with someone in need. She set an example by doing what she taught.

Mildred Ricks was 94 years old and the oldest of six generations. We call her "Blessed". She was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and was not ashamed to proclaim His Name. So we as a family look forward to that Great Reunion.

The Family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, calls, text messages, floral arrangements, and all expressions of love.  Your thoughtfulness and support have been greatly appreciated during our time of loss.

The Family wishes to also extend a very special thank you to Rev. Roy Stokes, Rev. Joseph Williams of Easter Baptist Church, Pastor Bobby Ricks, Sr. of Liberty Baptist Church,  Caitlyn Russell, Isaiah Williams, Ron Hollinger (H), Melvin Cooper (Mel Mel, Man), Mayvis Petticolas, Muriel Augustus, Ms. Linda, and everyone that assisted in caring for Mildred,  Dr. George Coleman, Waverly Medical Center, Mayor Angela McPhaul, the Town of Waverly, Jerry W. Murphy, Sr. owner of Murphy's Lawn Care, and the entire Union Hill United Church of Christ family.

Public Viewing will be 10:00am - 5:00pm Friday, September 29, 2023, at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life service for Mildred Louise Ricks will be held at 12:25 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Union Hill United Church of Christ, 16192 Union Hill Rd,  Sedley, Virginia with Rev. Roy Stokes officiating.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, Virginia, (804) 834-2219.