Mamie Josephine Hicks

Mamie Josephine Hicks, 80, Minot, passed away on her birthday, after battling cancer on September 30, 2015.

Born September 30, 1935, in Greasy Creek Tennessee, Josephine was one of 13 children born to Joseph Swann and Elsie (Holland) Swann. In 1953, Josephine and Sewell Hicks eloped to Georgia, and began a life-long journey together. They moved north, first to Detroit MI, then Joliet, IL, and finally to Chicago Heights, where they raised their three children. Josephine moved further north, after her husband passed, to Minot, ND, in 2003, to be with her son.

A child of the depression, growing up in the beautiful hills of Tennessee, Josephine never took anything for granted. She was a woman of tremendous spirit, passion, and faith. Although shy to strangers, those who knew her were never surprised when she broke out singing, or, out of nowhere started dancing by herself. She loved George Jones, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and all of country music. She moved north, but the South never left her.

She taught her children to appreciate life, simple things, and most of all, family. She never had a drivers license, never had a “real job.” She cleaned house wearing a skirt and heels. She enjoyed her cigarettes, Budweiser, Cubs and Bears. She was a real woman, and as beautiful as any Hollywood starlet. She was a dedicated wife, and a warrior protector of her children. She never completed grade school, but never ceased to amaze her family and friends with her intelligence and wisdom.

Her loving family includes, daughters, Ronda Gail Grakauskas (Herman Thiele), Louisville, KY, Sherry (Tom) Shine, Chicago Heights, Il, son, Troy Hicks, Minot, ND; grandchildren, Timothy Grakauskas , Vermilion, OH, Elisa (Brandon) Grecar, Hudson, OH, Peter (Lauren) Grakauskas, Avon, OH, Michael Grakauskas, Amherst, OH, Paul Grakauskas (Michelle Survance), Ryan Pulec (Jessica Thunherst), Chicago Heights IL, Sara Pulec , Waterloo IA, Cayla Shine, Chicago Heights IL, Nicole Hicks (Alan Wright), Minot ND, Kyle Hicks (Samantha), Minot ND; great-grandchildren, Tyler Grakauskas, Cassidy McGee, Madelyn McGee, Kylee Grakauskas, Avery McGee, Noah Grakauskas, Jillian Grakauskas, Aaron Grakauskas, Brandon Kocak, Samuel Grecar, Trey Pulec, Makenzie Pulec, Lanea Pulec, Reily Bennifield, Kaden Lee, Christopher Lee, Sadie Hicks; brother, James (JT) Swann, sisters, Lois Prince, Beatrice Hicks (Melvin), Becky Bain, Cleo Swann, Sue McFarland, and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sewell Hicks, parents, Joseph and Elsie Swann, sisters, Clarene Moats, Ellen Swann, Pauline (Polly) Skelton, Bobbie Grisham, Doris (Dot) Lowe, brother, Donald Swann.

A graveside service will be held at Mount Vernon Estates, Lemont IL, on Mon, Oct 19th at 2pm. Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).