Penela Mae Wicks

On February 1, 1928, in Pilot Point, Texas, Virgil and Lucinda Pettis welcomed their fifth child, Penela Mae Wicks. She attended Pilot Point Public Schools and later Ardmore High School in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Penela grew up with one brother, Chester Pettis, and four sisters, Opal Worley, Gasielee Franklin, Della Mae Powell, and Jennifer Pettis-Fegan.

Penela was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and daughters, Patricia Wicks Williams and Valerie Oates.

On April 7, 1948, Penela married Leroy Morris Wicks, and in 1957 they moved to Los Angeles, California, where they began building their life and raising their family. Penela was an outgoing and loving mother with a strong work ethic. Despite working numerous jobs, she always made time to enjoy life with her family. She loved taking trips to Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, drive-in movies, and museums. She also enjoyed bowling, jazz music, dancing, going to the casino, and was especially known for her love of poker.

Penela’s nickname by her father was “Baby” and she was affectionately known as “Aunt Pinky,” by her nieces and nephews. Penela was admired for her beauty, style, charisma, and caring spirit. In 1968, she moved to Dallas, Texas, to care for her parents. She later retired as a Building Services Supervisor with the City of Dallas after 25 years of dedicated service.

Penela attended Bethany Baptist Church in Dallas and became a beloved presence in her Northpark neighborhood, where she lived for over 30 years. Many children in the community came to know her as an adopted grandmother, drawn to her kindness and nurturing nature.

Penela was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who believed deeply in caring for her family. Her love, strength, and generosity will be remembered by all who knew her.

She leaves beautiful memories with her children, Beverly Wicks Mitchell (Tony), Bernard Wicks (Shirley), and Constance Wicks-Brown; along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.