Elizabeth Hicks

Elizabeth Effie Hicks, age 97, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 10, 2025. She passed peacefully at home in Roswell, surrounded by love and family, where she had lived for many years with her grandson, Jacob Hicks, grand-daughter in-law, Shari Hicks, and their children, Aspen and Quince Hicks, along with her great-great grandson, Makai Elijah Page-Hicks.

Elizabeth was born on July 6, 1928, in Pastura, New Mexico, to Charles Haddon Southern and Effie Jewell Gross. She grew up on her family’s ranch, where she learned the values of hard work, simplicity, and gratitude. The ranch life shaped her love for nature, family, and the steady rhythms of God’s creations. Those early years instilled in her the kind of quiet strength and humility that defined her entire life.

For over 35 years, Elizabeth poured her heart into teaching as a first-grade teacher. Her classroom was more than a place of learning- it was a place of laughter, kindness, and joy. She was famous for teaching her students to square dance, often saying that “life has its own rhythm, and sometimes you just have to dance through it.” Generations of children remember her, not only for her lessons in reading and writing, but for the love and patience she showed for each one.

During her summers, Elizabeth loved traveling across the country, visiting family and exploring new places. After her well-deserved retirement, she continued to live with purpose- attending church faithfully, studying her bible, and spending time with those she loved most.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Elizabeth didn’t just attend church; she lived her faith daily. She was a devoted Baptist, but more importantly, she was in a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She taught her son, grandsons, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren to love the Lord, to forgive freely, and to serve with open hearts.

Her favorite scripture was “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” -Matthew 25:23. There is no doubt that those words welcomed her home.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles and Effie Southern; her siblings and their spouses: Charles Southern II and Gladys Southern, Vera and Louie Gastineau, Rosa Southern, Celia Sisson, Edith and Robert Hellman, and John and Vida Southern.

She is survived by her son, Gary Hicks and his wife Lorenda Hicks; grandchildren, Jacob Hicks, Levi Hicks, Tarnna Hernandez, Keisha Sturdivan, and Jordan Hicks; and their families. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, countless former students, friends, and members of her church family who were blessed by her kindness and example.

Elizabeth’s life was a living testimony for Proverbs 31:26- “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Her legacy of faith, grace, and unconditional love will continue to guide those who knew her.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at LaGrone Funeral Chapel in Roswell, New Mexico, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. and a graveside committal at approximately 12:00 p.m. at South Park Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be her beloved great-grandchildren, Aspen and Quince Hicks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, one of Elizabeth’s favorite charities, in honor of her lifelong devotion to sharing God’s love to others.

As we remember her, we find comfort in knowing that her gentle smile and joyful spirit are now at peace in the presence of her Savior.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all of the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -Psalm 23:6