"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

II Timothy 4:7-8

A person's legacy is defined by the lives they touch and the footprints they leave in our hearts. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Vonda Pauline Ricks, who was called home on September 7, 2022, to be with the Lord.

Vonda was born on March 25, 1966, to George and Rosa Ricks in Courtland, VA. She was one of five siblings, four girls, and one boy. Vonda was baptized at an early age at Zion Southampton AME Zion Church, Courtland, VA. Later in life, Vonda joined New Life Family Center as a young adult and was passionate about serving where needed and loved witnessing about the goodness of God.  She was a faithful and loyal steward under the leadership of her pastor, Apostle C. H. Ricks, and co-pastor, Cathy Ricks, and her love of her church home, and community was apparent in her actions.

Vonda was a woman who wore many hats, but her passion was cooking. She enjoyed sharing her home-cooked meals with her family, neighbors, and friends. Anyone who visited her was sure to leave with a full stomach and a goody bag. Vonda was a proud member of the Southampton High School Class of 1985. She was employed at Bill's Grill/Duck-Thru for many years. Throughout her life, Vonda was known to have a loving and caring heart for everyone she came in contact with and a great sense of humor. She lived a life dedicated to serving others and her spirit will live on in the lives of those who were blessed to have known her.

Vonda leaves to cherish the apple of her eye, her loving daughter, Crystal Clark of Waverly, VA. Two precious grandchildren, Ashley Clark and Tayveon Clark of Waverly, VA;  Her loving parents, George and Rosa Ricks of Courtland, VA; Three sisters - Gertrude Ricks of Courtland, VA, Carol Broadnax of Franklin, VA, and Viola (Ike) Turner of Zuni, VA;  One brother, John (Ashley) Pope of Chesapeake, VA; three loving aunts, Catherine Brown of Sebrell, VA, Ida Greene of Sedley, VA, and Cornell (Clarence) Turner of Central Hill, VA; three loving uncles, Reggie Lee of Franklin, VA, Elton Ricks of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Clarence Ricks (Cathy) of Newport News, VA; four special nieces, Kela Turner, Taylor Turner, Takera Pope, and Chloe Pope; special nephew, Samuel Lamont Ricks; special energetic great-nephews, Cody Ricks, Christian Ricks, and Brayden A. Elder-Turner; cousins, other relatives, friends and special friend, Sandra (Dee Dee) Whitaker.

God in all his mercy, sent his angels to return that which belongs to HIM.

Public Viewing will be 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday, September 12, 2022, at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, Virginia.

A Homegoing Service will be 12Noon Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Zion Southampton AME Zion Church 17121 Wakefield Road Courtland, Virginia.

***Social Distancing and Facial Covering Required***