Janet Wooldridge Hicks

Her Life’s Legacy Janet Maxwell Wooldridge Hicks, predeceased by her parents, Sidney Maxwell Wooldridge, and Janie Virginia Braxton Wooldridge, was born on January 10, 1942, in a four-bedroom home in Woodville built by her father. On November 17, 2022, Janet Maxwell began her new life in Paradise surrounded by the saints who have transitioned before her. She is now free to explore her forever home, worship her Savior, explore the streets paved with gold, and settle into her eternal mansion where there is no more night, sorrow, pain, or death. Let us celebrate in the blessed assurance that we too may joyfully join Janet after running our races if we embrace the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord like our dearly departed sister did during her time on Earth. Janet attended Richmond Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1959. She completed training at Smith Madden Business School where she acquired the skills necessary to become a secretary. She worked at various law offices in Richmond including Martin A. Martin’s Law Office and that of Oliver W. Hill. Janet also worked as a secretary at Virginia State College in Petersburg. She became the first Black secretary at Virginia’s Division of Rehabilitation Services and served as a trailblazer to help integrate that State agency. In her later years, she enjoyed sharing work-related stories from her days at Rehab with her children. However, Janet found her true calling in service to her Savior, family, and friends. She was married to Attorney Thomas L. Hicks, Jr. on August 12, 1967. Although they divorced after 25 years of marriage, Janet helped care for Thomas during the twilight of his life. Janet and Thomas had three daughters: Tonia Hicks Christian (Ralph, Jr.), Terri Hicks King (John, III), and Trinette Hicks Haralson (John, III). Janet had five grandchildren: Shelby Nicole King (her favorite granddaughter); Jonathan Michael King; John Bennett Haralson, IV; Ralph Raymond Christian, III; and Julian Bryce Haralson. Janet had one great-grandson, Quincy Shaquille Cooper. Extended family is left to cherish Janet’s memory including Sharon Michelle Price (affectionately known as the fourth daughter) and Gail Steele among a host of other relatives. On her daily phone calls from her loved ones, we can still hear her say, “Hey, Baby Girl…,” as she answered her cell phone. Although an only child, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who served as an anchor during her life surrounded Janet. She treasured fond memories from her childhood being showered by the love of her grandparents: Charles Carey Braxton, Ellen Ann Harriet, Elizabeth Johnson Braxton, William Thomas Wooldridge, Sr. (predeceased Janet’s birth), and Alice Wood Wooldridge. Knowing she is reunited with her precious family provides comfort to those left behind. Her winsome personality and engaging demeaner fostered friendships and drew people to seek Janet’s presence throughout her life here. Faith, family, and helping others became the cornerstone to Janet’s existence. As a person of enduring faith, she held strongly to her beliefs and willingly shared her convictions with others. Her reliance on God’s Word sustained her during challenging times and provided an assurance that everything would work out for God’s glory. Spending time with her family highlighted the value she placed on people. Being a full-time wife and mother, she dedicated herself to such activities as becoming the Parent Teacher Association President at her children’s school, assisting with choir rehearsal, transporting children to various activities, and fulfilling a myriad of other responsibilities. She encouraged those in need with a motivational word or a kind gesture. Her optimistic outlook on life helped encourage others to know that success was near if they would not give up. Never one to shy away from her heartfelt convictions, she freely shared her testimony to inspire others. Always one to assist those in need, she gave of her time, effort, and energy to bless others. Her journey on Earth demonstrated a life well lived.

Tributes

Janet Wooldridge Hicks

January 10, 1942 - November 17, 2022