Joyce Hicks Obituary

Our loving mother, Lillian Joyce Hicks, passed away May 23, 2020 at the Philip Hospital in Philip. She was a residence of the Kadoka Nursing Home prior to her illness and death.

Lillian Joyce Briggs, known as Joyce to her family and friends, was born January 23, 1926 at Kadoka, South Dakota to Floyd and Fay (Scott) Briggs. Joyce spent her childhood and adult life in the Kadoka Community. She married the love of her life Melvin Hicks, November 20, 1943 at Rapid City, South Dakota.

Joyce lived a long and fruitful life. She loved her family, community and country. She was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and serving on various committees.

She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, The American Legion Auxiliary, and the Kadoka Community Betterment Association. She was elected to serve on the Kadoka City Council and served on the board of the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Some of Joyce’s greatest accomplishments include raising money to build a swimming pool for the youth of the Kadoka community, restoring the historical Pearl Hotel, and converting the local Train Depot now known as the Kadoka Deport Museum. She spent many hours volunteering at the Museum welcoming visitors and sharing with them many stories about the history of the community she loved.

Survivors include four sons Raymond Hicks and his wife Linda of Rapid City, Gary Hicks and his wife Teresa of Rapid City, Larry Hicks and his wife Sheryl of Deadwood, and Jimmy Hicks and his wife Jeanine of Lodi, California; four daughters Patsy Handcock of Brighton, Colorado, Sherry Peterson of Hot Springs, Peggy Williams and her husband Don of Black Hawk, and Melva Hicks of Casper, Wyoming; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Hicks on October 11 1988; two brothers Beauford and Clifford Briggs; one sister Margaret Barrett; two grandchildren in infancy; two great-grandchildren; and three sons-in-law Jerry Peterson, Fred Ruff, and Ben Handcock.

Cards and memorials may be sent to 7300 Shadowland Ct. Black Hawk, SD 57718.

Memorial services will be held 3:00 pm MDT on Thursday, June 4, at the Kadoka City Auditorium. Live streaming will be available for the memorial service so you can watch the service right from this webpage if you do not wish to attend in person.

Interment will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Guest Book

Sorry to hear about your mom. You kids just keep your memories close. Love, Joann
~ Joann Stark IA (5/29/2020)

Joyce was a very special lady, and I loved her dearly. I worked for her during my high school years at the drive inn. Good times, for sure! Can't even begin to say how much I thought of Joyce. I truly loved her, and I know she felt the same about me. My heart is heavy as I write this. She is finally back with the love of her life. What a celebration!
~ Roxy & Vern Richardson Long Valley, SD (5/27/2020)

Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Have been reminiscing and remembering early times when we were kids and those big holiday meals to later years when your Mom never missed making it to one of my mother's birthday parties. We have been blessed!
~ Carol Nielsen Rapid City, SD (6/4/2020)

So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom Joyce. She was a special lady. Prayers of comfort and hope. Hold your memories close to your heart.
~ Roxy Schmit Spearfish (5/28/2020)

Our sympathy to the family. We bowled with Joyce and she loved that time. May your memories bring you comfort.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (5/30/2020)

Losing our parents is hard no matter their age or our age. Please know you will all be in my prayers as you start your new journey without your mom on this earth. She holds a special place in my heart as does Melva, Jimmy and Peggy. Love and hugs to you all.
~ Roxy Formanek Rapid City (5/27/2020)

Our prayers are with you all and sorry to hear about your loss
~ Kathy (Kusick) Pillen Hermosa SD (5/25/2020)

Absolutely thrilled that you made it back in time. Prayers for you and for all as you deal with back to back services. We all love you and have been lifting you in our prayers. Still here for you! All of our love. Sorry for your loss.
~ Eric and LaVeta Lowrey Brighton, CO (5/24/2020)

Flowers

Jim and Debbie Antonsen and Family

Tanner and Fawna Peterson, Cuma, Kiara, Julie, and Payton; Tucker and Heather Peterson, Tucker Jr. and Taylor Lynn; Tipton Peterson; and Sherry and Tom