Eva Mae Wilkins Hicks, whose career as a teacher and guidance counselor for Richmond Public Schools spanned nearly 45 years, has died.

The North Carolina native, who was described as a loyal friend and caring person, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Henrico County, according to her family. She was 95.

Family and friends celebrated Mrs. Hicks’ life Friday, Dec. 15, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where she was a longtime member.

Mrs. Hicks grew up in Halifax County, N.C., and after earning her bachelor’s degree from Shaw University in Raleigh, began her education career in Culpeper, Va., as a home economics teacher.

She also met and married Irving D. Jackson, but after his death several years later, she moved to Richmond.

Mrs. Hicks initially worked for the City Department of Parks and Recreation and also married Thomas Hicks, who predeceased her.

In 1957, she started teaching elementary grades in Richmond. After 17 years in the classroom, she secured a master’s degree from Virginia State University and made the switch to guidance counseling. She retired in 1993.

Outside of school, Mrs. Hicks was active in Episcopal Church Women and served as recording secretary for the Virginia chapter’s board. She also was a lay reader at St. Philip’s and served on church committees.

Mrs. Hicks was a member of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and active in the chapter’s youth programs.

Ms. Hicks had no immediate survivors, according to her obituary.