Floral 13
Official Obituary of

Iris Grace (Taylor) 'Doll' Hicks

November 12, 1935 ~ July 1, 2025 (age 89) 89 Years Old
Obituary Image

Iris 'Doll' Hicks Obituary

 “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure… 

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

 A Life Remembered

 With  humble  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  we  pause  to  celebrate  and  reflect  upon  the  life  of  Iris  Grace  Hicks,  affectionately  known  as  “Doll.”  A  devoted  mother,  grandmother,  great-grandmother,  sister-in-law,  aunt,  cousin,  and  cherished  friend,  Iris  touched  countless  lives with her kindness, faith, and unwavering generosity.

 Born  on  November  12,  1935,  in  Greensville  County,  Virginia,  Iris  was  the  beloved  daughter  of  the  late  Sallie  Louise  Taylor  and  Philip  Taylor.  At  an  early  age,  she  accepted  Christ  as  her  Savior  and  became  a  faithful  member  of  Diamond  Grove  Baptist  Church.  Over  the  years,  her  love  for  worship  also  led  her  to  Jerusalem  Baptist  Church,  where  she  found  great  joy  singing  in  the  Senior  Choir  for  many  years.

 Even  as  her  health  declined,  Iris  remained  rooted  in  her  faith,  continuing  to  read  her  Sunday  School  lessons,  lovingly  delivered  to  her  by Diamond Grove Baptist Church. Her quiet strength and spiritual devotion were unwavering to the very end.

 A Life of Hard Work and Skill

 Iris  received  her  early  education  at  Diamond  Grove  School,  where  she  discovered  a  lifelong  passion  for  sewing.  Her  remarkable  talent  with  a  sewing  machine  led  to  a  long  and  fulfilling  career  in  the  garment  industry.  She  worked  at  the  Emporia  Garment  Factory  in  Emporia,  Virginia,  and  later  at  Carol’s  Apparel  in  Roanoke  Rapids,  North  Carolina,  until  its  closing  in  1987.  Her  skilled  hands  and  eye  for detail left a lasting mark on every garment she created.

 Iris  was  united  in  holy  matrimony  to  the  late  Norfleet  “Jimbo”  Hicks,  who  preceded  her  in  death.  She  was  also  preceded  in  death  by  her  parents,  two  brothers,  John  Thomas  Taylor  and  Phillip  Taylor,  Jr.,  one  sister,  Mary  Alice  Brown,  and  two  stepchildren,  Kathleen  Tyler  and Bernard Thomas.

 A Heart Full of Love

 Iris  will  forever  be  remembered  for  her  compassionate  spirit,  quiet  strength,  and  unwavering  faith.  She  was  always  ready  to  help  those  in  need  and  found  joy  in  life’s  simple  pleasures  —  watching  the  Game  Show  Network,  working  on  puzzles,  and  enjoying  long  phone  conversations with friends and family.

 Cherished Memories

 She  leaves  to  celebrate  her  life  and  carry  forward  her  legacy:  Four  devoted  children:Alphonso  P.  Hicks  (Amy)  –  Franklin,  VA,  Vicki  L.  Hicks  –  Emporia,  VA,  Paulette  H.  Cain  (Nathan)  –  Emporia,  VA  and  Zachary  T.  Hicks  –  Honolulu,  HI;  seven  beloved  grandchildren:  Tara  Simmons  (Jaffa)  –  Greensboro,  NC,  De’Shawn  Cain  –  Brooklyn,  NY,  Demyra  Cain  and  Stephon  Cain  –  Emporia,  VA,  Tyreecka  Hawks  and  Tierra  Hawks  –  Franklin,  VA,  Tavoris  Cain  (Shamia)  –  Memphis,  TN,  one  great-grandchild:  Charleston  Simmons,  the  joy  of  her  heart;  eight  step-grandchildren,  extended  Family,  sisters-in-law:  Dorothy  Hicks  and  Ollie  Hicks  –  Emporia,  VA  and  Carolyn  Carter  (Solomon)  –  Littleton,  NC;  Brothers-in-law:  Robert  Hicks  and  John  Hicks  –  Emporia,  VA  and  Waverly  Hicks  (Emma)  –  Mesa,  AZ;  a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends also remain to cherish her memory.

 Iris  “Doll”  Hicks  lived  a  life  marked  by  quiet  strength,  unwavering  love,  and  steadfast  faith.  Though  she  may  be  gone  from  our  sight,  the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the example she set will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

 

 

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Hick's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

 

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Iris Grace Taylor Hicks.

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Iris Grace (Taylor) 'Doll' Hicks, please visit our floral store.


Services

Viewing
Friday
July 4, 2025

1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Knox-High Mortuary, Inc.
568 Halifax Street
Emporia, VA 23847

Viewing
Saturday
July 5, 2025

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Diamond Grove Baptist Church
127 Diamond Grove Road
Skippers, VA 23879

Celebration of Life
Saturday
July 5, 2025

1:00 PM
Diamond Grove Baptist Church
127 Diamond Grove Road
Skippers, VA 23879

Interment following funeral service
Saturday
July 5, 2025

Diamond Grove Baptist Church
127 Diamond Grove Road
Skippers, VA 23879

Memorial Tribute Video
 

Video is available for this event



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