Douglas Arthur Hicks

Douglas Arthur Hicks passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Glenwood Regional Medical Center after a series of illnesses. 

He was the fourth of six children born to the late Nelse and Mamie Armstrong Hicks March 29, 1935 in Mangham, Louisiana. Douglas, as he was called, was named for his mother favorite uncle, Douglass McDowell.  

He gave his life to Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of the China Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.M. Mathis.  He was an usher, Sunday School worker, and participated in all activities available to him.

Douglas attended school at the China Grove Elementary School and graduated from Alto High School in 1955.

He briefly lived in Monroe and later relocated to California. In California, he managed a clothing store until it was destroyed during the Watts Riots. While residing in California, he married Shirley who predeceased him, and to this union one daughter was born Betty. Seventeen years later, he was encouraged by his family to come back to Monroe, Louisiana when his sister, Rotena, went to visit him.

He worked at Dittco until 1981, when he had a stroke and was unable to work a full-time job. 

After his illness, Douglas united with the Antioch Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana under the leadership of his brother-in-law Rev. John L. Russell, Sr., where he met and dated the beautiful and gifted Gloria Woods Hill. They were united in holy matrimony at the home of Rev. & Mrs. John L. Russell Sr. and remained married for over 30 years.

Although he had personal challenges, he had a heart to help others. Douglass founded the New Pioneer Recovery on South Second Street.

He later united with the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Rodney McFarland, where he was ordained as a deacon. Later in life, after his health failed, he later united with the Greater New Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of his nephew, Rev. John L. Russell, II.

He was also predeceased by his siblings, Herman Wilson, Mariah Haynes, and Dankie Horton.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife of 30 plus years, Gloria W. Hicks; a devoted son, Pastor Anthony J. (Carmon) Hill of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; three daughters, Benetta Hill Winford of Houston, Texas; Linda Davis of Monroe, Louisiana; and Betty Hicks of Los Angeles, California; two sisters, Rotena (Rev. John L.) Russell of Monroe, Louisiana, and Johnnie H. Hicks of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; two sisters-in-law, Claudette Woods of Marero, Louisiana and Barbara Britton of Calhoun, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Ashlee Hill-Williams (DeWayne), Zoë Hill, Ziva Hill, Shavontae Winford-Moy (Antwan), Tyrik Winford, Dacqueline Gales, and Brandon Davis; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

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