Betty (Graham) Hicks-James

Betty Lue Graham, known endearingly by her Family as Betty Joe, was born the seventh of eleven children, on January 3, 1941 to the parents of Willie Graham, Sr. (aka “Daddy Buck”) and Sallie Pearl Graham (aka “Nannie”), in Marshall, Texas. Although eleven children were born, two additional blessings were added after Nannie and Daddy Buck adopted two of their grandchildren, totaling 13 children and 12 siblings.

Betty gave her life to Christ and was baptized at the early age of 8, at the Morning Star Church in Woodlawn, Texas (outside of Marshall, TX). She later joined the New Morning Star Baptist Church in West Dallas, where she served until joining Carver Heights Baptist Church in 1997.

She walked miles to attend public school in Marshall, Texas. Later, after moving to Dallas, she attended C.F. Carr and Booker T. Washington High School, until her 1957 union to Lonnie Foster Hicks at the tender age of 16. Her marriage to Lonnie made her an Army wife, traveling with her husband throughout the country. Later in life, Betty earned her GED and college degree in Nursing from El Centro College. She worked by the sweat of her brow, possessing a strong determination to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and eventually progressing to her dream job as a Registered Nurse (RN). After being married for 5 years she gave birth to her first and only surviving child, Rosalind Rena Hicks. She would have had 7 children, but one child, Trina Ann Hicks, died shortly after birth. The others, 1 set of quadruplets and a son, were all born stillborn, as well. She and her husband Lonnie adored and loved their only surviving child, Rosalind, dearly. Betty was proudest of Rosalind‘s educational accomplishments and achievements. She considered it a double-blessing to have two grandchildren that she loved immensely, Jermell Foster Kyle and Jarielle Benae Nabors. She showered them both with guidance, love, and wisdom. She was so proud of both of them for their educational and vocational accomplishments.

Betty Joe was a natural, loving, compassionate person that would help anyone. She was a caretaker of both her parents when their health failed. She left a tremendous impact on all she encountered.

During her 18-year tenure at Parkland Memorial Hospital, she was awarded many accolades, most notably Who’s Who Among Nurses, and multiple Excellence Service Awards. Ultimately, she was promoted to the leadership position of Charge Nurse. After retirement from Parkland, she went on to work for MHMR, again touching the lives of those in need. She loved all of her patients and clients, establishing great friendships with them and their families.

She served diligently, as a servant of the Lord, at Carver Heights Baptist Church in the capacity of Sanctuary Choir member, Nursing Guild President, Treasurer of Deaconess, Sunday School participant, Christians Seeking Instruction - Associate Director of Activities, Prayer Ministry, Food Bank Ministry, Pastor’s Anniversary Committee, Vacation Bible School teacher, and Women’s Ministry. She loved her church and church friends, dearly. She and her daughter would like to give Special Thanks to Sis. Minnie Freeman, Sis. Regina Abron, Sis. Betty Pipkins (Prayer Partner), Sis. Jean McGaughey, Sis. Mary Reynolds, Sis. Barbara Ely, Sis. Gloria Hicks, Sis. Brenda Walker, Sis. Charlie Barrett, and many others for all of their support and efforts during Sis. James’ surgeries and illness. She had a special relationship, bonded in love and respect, for her Sunday school teacher and niece, Sis. Ruby Starr, who assisted many times in her care, during her illnesses. She had a special love and appreciation for The Morris Family, who fondly referred to her as “Granny Betty,” and her cousin, David Patrick, for their untiring love and support. She, especially, appreciated the delicious gourmet meals and gracious visits.

After many years of solitude, she married her second love, Henry James Sr. They were married for 12 years and later divorced, but the Lord blessed them to rekindle a friendship in Him.

Betty Hicks James was given her heavenly wings on September 7, 2021. We know she is praising the Lord without pain, heartache, disappointment, and sickness. Glory be to God for 80 beautiful years of life, in which she left many loving imprints on the lives of those that she adored, admired, respected, and sincerely appreciated. She was a very grateful and appreciative person.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lonnie Foster Hicks (1970), father, Willie Graham Sr. (1977), mother, Sallie Pearl Graham (1995), her adored brothers, Willie Graham Jr. aka “Jr. Boy” (1992) and Henry Graham (2003), her beloved sisters, Zephyr Rene Wilson (2005), Lavern Clayton (2017), Emma Mae Pearl (2019), and her three special friends, Agnes Franklin (2013), Ruth Witherspoon (2019), and Luddie Grigsby (2020). All of whom, she loved dearly.

The love of her savior, Jesus Christ, was evident in all areas of Betty’s life. As a devout Christian woman, she was full of God’s grace, gladly and boldly sharing God’s love and her witness with anyone she met. Her faith and prayer life were strong. She never doubted that God was leading her through her life’s joys and storms. She wants those of us left behind to join the army of the Lord, love and respect each other, and know that she is safe and secure in His arms today.

She is survived by her only child, Rosalind Rena Hicks Nabors (Jerry), grandson, Jermell Foster Kyle, granddaughter, Jarielle Benae Nabors, sisters, Dorothy Collins (Wilmer), Joyce Williams, Mencer (“Goby”) Freeman, and Judea Graham, brothers Ardis Graham, Kenneth Graham, and a host of special nephews, nieces, and cousins, as well as extended family of friends. She loved her family with all of her heart and soul.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Hicks-James family.