Mother Annie L. Hicks, a revered pillar of the Israel of God's Church, W.H.A. was born on November 11, 1928, in Friars Point, Mississippi, to Mary Berna and Going Ducksworth. In 1950, she journeyed to Illinois with plans to continue her grandmother's sewing business in New York. However, a chance visit to the Israel of God's Church, W.H.A. accompanied by her grandmother, led her to a new calling, and she became an integral part of the church community she would never leave.

In 1968, Mother Hicks and Reverend Mose L. Hicks were married by Bishop WM Jones at the Israel of God's Church, W.H.A. in Rockford, Illinois.

Her life was marked by a deep passion for flower and vegetable gardening, cooking, and sewing, talents she generously shared with those around her. A devoted member of the Israel of God's Church, W.H.A. she actively participated in the church choir and held many dinners for the ministers, embodying her spirit of service and hospitality. In 2010, at the 111th Annual Conference she was honored as a Mother of the Church, reflecting her profound spiritual leadership and dedication.

In addition to her church activities, Mother Hicks worked tirelessly throughout her life, contributing her skills to domestic work, and serving the McCarter family in Sycamore with great devotion.

She was predeceased by her husband and parents; her brothers Willie Lee, Ernest, Odell, and Charles Larry (C.L.) Ducksworth; and her sisters Etta Mae Sanders and Callie Mae Davis.

Mother Hicks is lovingly remembered by her sister, Ada Mae Ducksworth, a host of nieces and nephews, and her special daughter and caretaker, Patricia Alexander. Her legacy of faith, love, and service continues to inspire all who knew her.

Her visitation will be Friday, August 9th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL.

Her funeral service will be on Saturday, August 10th at 11:00 AM at the Israel of God's Church, W.H.A., 248 North Ave., Sycamore, IL.

Burial will be at the Elmwood Cemetery.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com