Nell McCoy Ricks
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nell McCoy Ricks (86), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who left us on August 14, 2023. Born in Georgia on November 15, 1936 to Willis and Daisy McCoy, Nell lived a life in devotion to Christ, her church, and her family. Nell moved to Copeland Park as a child when her father began work at Newport News Shipbuilding. There a young Nell McCoy started her Christian walk at Copeland Park Baptist Church (renamed, West Hampton Baptist Church) and later moved to Gloucester, Virginia where she graduated from Gloucester High School. In school, she was active in 4-H, Future Homemakers of America, and Home Economics which fostered her loves of cooking and sewing. She approached every challenge in life with unwavering determination and unconditional faith. Nell spent 67 years wed to the love of her life, Bonnie (BC) Ricks Jr., who proceeded her in death on June 25, 2023. She is survived by three children; Esther Hill (Brad), Jeanne Baranowski (Larry), and Dell Ricks (Gail); six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Herbert McCoy and Margaret Clendenen. She was also proceeded in death by her brothers, Herschel and Winfred, and her parents. Nell's perfect day was a day spent surrounded by family, and until the end she drew strength from the deep bonds she shared with her children and loved ones. An avid quilter and cook, Nell poured her heart into her hobbies and shared her talents with her community. Her ministry works with West Hampton Baptist Church provided quilts to babies at local NICU and fed hundreds at their Thursday food mission. Throughout their marriage, Nell and Bonnie were dedicated to their walk with God, and gave freely of their time towards good works through their church.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Nell's life during the memorial service on August 21, 2023, 4:00 PM at West Hampton Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the West Hampton Baptist Church Building Fund.
Though Nell is no longer with us, the memory of Nell's love and faith will continue on in our hearts. Nell was surrounded by love because she generated so much of it. The life she built with Bonnie, the love she demonstrated, and kindness she gave lives on not only through her children and their children, but through the lives of all she touched. May we all embody her steadfast spirit and faith as we navigate our own life's journey. Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandson.com.