Deborah Ann Hicks

In the twinkle of an eye, our beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend departed this world to her eternal home. Her days on Earth had ended – a new life was beginning as she received her crown and is now flying with the angels. Deborah Ann Hicks was born in Mobile, Alabama on December 20, 1946, to the union of Thelma Ree Martin and Emanuel Madison Cockrell, Senior. Both preceded her in death. Baptized at Union Baptist Church, Deborah confessed her love and devotion to Christ at an early age. In 1965, Deborah graduated from Central High School in Mobile, Alabama. She went on to enroll in Alabama A&M majoring in Education, graduating in three years with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She began her road to educating children in Cleveland, Ohio. Deborah then moved to Detroit, MI in 1970, becoming a High School Biology teacher and lastly a High School Guidance Counselor for Detroit Public Schools. She retired in 2000 after 29+ years of educating students. Throughout this time, she obtained her Master’s in Education from Eastern Michigan University and was only 1 course away from earning a PhD. Retiring didn’t stop Deborah from continuing to serve as a “life counselor” to her family and friends. While at Alabama A&M Deborah met the love of her life Rosenau Hicks. They were married in 1970. Their union blessed them with two children – Nakia and Travaris. Rosenau preceded her in death. As a mother and educator, Deborah strongly advocated continuing education while ensuring her children attended and graduated college. In 1979 she opened The Children’s Palace, Inc., a childcare center in Detroit, MI. At its peak, Children’s Palace grew to five childcare centers that served thousands of metro Detroit area families. Children were educated, made safe, and fed freshly cooked meals, daily. Deborah consistently did her part to ensure that the early childhood community was “not left behind.” Deborah loved to eat food made with love and have fellowship. She loved to travel, and she loved to engage others. Deborah loved people and greeted them all with a smile. She genuinely loved and enjoyed her family, her friends, her church, and life. She considered herself extremely blessed and understood the importance of selfless service and how it can serve as an example to those seeking guidance and motivation. She was an extraordinary mother, a devoted friend, and a strong confidante. She left a great legacy… a part of her is in each of us. Memories of Deborah will be cherished forever by her two children – Nakia Hicks Robinson (Jonathan) of West Bloomfield, MI, and Travaris Hicks (Michelle) of Dumfries, VA; Preceded in death by her brother Adam Cockrell; three brothers – Emanuel Cockrell, Jr. (Shirley) of Desoto, TX, Jerry Cockrell (Lula) of Garland, TX, George Cockrell (Mary) of McDonough, GA, and Mignon Footman of Warren, MI; four grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace sweet, loving and kind Deborah. Your work has been fulfilled on Earth, and God has taken an angel unto Heaven. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Deborah Ann Hicks

December 20, 1946 - March 22, 2025