Emma Cornelia (Phillips) Hicks

Emma Cornelia Phillips Hicks, age 76, of West Blocton, Alabama left this earth to be with the Lord on Thursday August 8, 2019 at her home with family surrounding her. Emma was born on September 2, 1942 to Vivian and Ruben Phillips in Empire, Alabama. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel and son in law Scott Taylor of West Blocton; her son, Joe Hicks of Birmingham; grandsons, Luke Taylor and Caleb Taylor of West Blocton; brother, Ronnie Phillips of Jasper; sister, Joan Sanford of Center Point and Judy Henry of Springville; a host of nephews and nieces and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Hicks; her parents, Vivian and Ruben Phillips; sister, Betty Goode; brothers, Garland Phillips, Bobby Phillips, Terry Phillips.

Emma was a retired teacher of 37 years. She was the town librarian and an active community leader. After graduating from Corner High School in 1960. Emma went to Jacksonville State University where she graduated with honors from the school of education with a Bachelor of Science. Emma continued her education at the University of Montevallo where she received her Master's degree in Education and also attended the University of Alabama furthering her education. Emma began her teaching career in 1964 at Marshall County High School where she met her husband of 45 years, Jack Hicks, She would later go on to teach at Thomasville, Hueytown, Pleasant Grove and eventually West Blocton High School where she would teach for 26 years, until her retirement in 1999.

In the early 80's Emma along with others founded the West Blocton Improvement Committee which began annual community traditions that still continue today including the West Blocton Christmas parade, Wild West Blocton Days, the Old Timers ballgame, and the Cahaba Lily Festival. She served on the West Blocton Coke Ovens committee as well. Emma also wrote the West Blocton News for the Centreville Press for many years. In 1994 she established the West Blocton Public Library and served as the town librarian until 2012. During this time she successfully conducted reading and art programs for children in the West Blocton and North Bibb communities. Emma worked tirelessly to secure funding for the library through fundraising and grants which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for books, supplies, computers and library improvements.

Emma was a member of West Blocton First Baptist Church. She was a member of the local WildFlower Organization. She had many hobbies including painting and crafts. She was a very talented artist. In spite of her many significant contributions to education and local civic endeavors, Emma will best be remembered for her love of her family. She was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, mother to her children, sister to her siblings, daughter to her parents and grandmother (Tuddy) to her grandsons. She was a caring and selfless woman.

Emma's celebration of life will occur Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 2:00 PM at West Blocton First Baptist Church, Main Street, West Blocton, AL. Visitation will begin at 1 PM to 2 PM with burial follow at at New Haven/Mt Carmel Cemetery, West Blocton, AL. Pallbearers will be nephews. Honorary pallbearers are Hospice of West Alabama and Amedysis of Brent. The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the West Blocton Public Library.