Bess Oakley Hicks

Bess, born Bessie Lee Oakley, was the fourth and youngest daughter of Will and Mattie Oakley of Fruitland, Tennessee. She came into the world shortly after her family lost all their worldly possessions in a fire. They said she was their little ray of sunshine. For eighty five years, her smile was like sunshine that brought warmth to all that knew her.

She was proud of the fact that her parents, even through hard times, were able to provide college educations for all four of their children, which she did for her four children. Bess’s life was all about education. During her career as a Metro Nashville educator, she taught every grade 1st through 12th, was a principal, the District Two elementary schools director, and retired as the Director of Middle Schools.

She was a poet, an artist, woodworker, quilter and builder. She always had a project going. She was a positive person and found the good in all people. She died at peace with her maker.

Bess was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Zane Ragsdale, Blanch Exum, Lois Chambers, her daughter Lois Lee Hicks, and husband William Whitfield Hicks.

She is survived by her children, daughter Mary Ann Hicks Moore and her husband Tim Moore, son Whit Hicks and his wife Judy and their children Elin Hicks, Woodson Hicks, and Orrin Hicks, daughter Lisa Hicks Ferrelli and her husband Kenny Ferrelli and their children Will Ferrelli and Carrie Ferrelli, and son Matt Hicks and wife Janet.

Visitation with family and friends will be on Friday, November 8, 2013 from four o'clock until eight o'clock at Woodlawn-Roesch-patton Funeral Home. Funeral service on Saturday at ten o'clock in Woodlawn's Dignity Hall - 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN.