Diana Hicks

Her legacy began in September of 1961 at a bus stop in South Texas, where she met the love of her life, Rev. Douglas Hicks. From that ordinary place came an extraordinary story. Diana was born in Monterrey, Mexico, to Manuel Retta and Ester Retta. After meeting Douglas, she came to the United States and married him in 1962. Together, they built a life devoted to God, to one another, and to the people they served.

After their marriage, Diana and Douglas began their life together in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston. Their years carried them through North Louisiana and South Texas, and finally to Tyler, where Diana passed surrounded by the family she had spent a lifetime loving.

Diana and Rev. Douglas Hicks were married for 56 years. Side by side, they served in ministry for more than five decades, raised their family, and gave themselves to a calling greater than their own lives. Their ministry also reached into Mexico, where Diana’s heritage became part of the work God placed before them.

Diana’s faith was not merely spoken; it was made visible through devotion, sacrifice, humility, and care. She carried grace into every room. She loved her family intensely, prayed with conviction, and served with humility. Her life reminds us that legacy is not built in grand moments alone, but in daily faithfulness, in meals prepared, prayers offered, burdens carried, and love given again and again.

Diana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Douglas Hicks; her son, Rev. Steve Douglas Hicks; her parents, Manuel Retta and Ester Retta; her brothers, Jorge Retta and Oscar Retta; and her sister, Hilda Retta Lopez.

She is survived by her brother, Enrique Retta; her sister, Maria Retta Rodriguez; her daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Adrian Cortez, Vicki and Adam Smith, and Raquel and Dr. Rob Carpenter; nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Her story continues in the family she loved, the faith she lived, and the generations who now carry forward her name, her prayers, and her example.

The family will receive guests for visitation on May 17, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039. A private family burial service will follow.

She loved deeply. She served faithfully. She now rests in the presence of the Lord.