Belva Joyce Neal Hicks

Belva Joyce Neal Hicks, 68, a beloved daughter, sister, niece, aunt, mother, nana, and friend, departed this life to be with our Lord and Savior on October 7, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 17, 1953, in Camden, Arkansas to the late Rev. Kermit E. and Juanita M. Chattin Neal.  Belva was a devoted church member of New Covenant Church in Clyde, NC for more than a decade.  She passionately loved and served the Lord her entire life.  Belva was a mighty prayer warrior and instilled a strong faith in her children.  Above all else, she was an unconditional, loving, and compassionate mother and nana to her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Rev. Kermit E. Neal and Juanita Chattin Neal, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Margaret Neal-Cross.

Left to cherish the many memories include her beloved children, Juanita (Wayne) Meadows, Richard Hicks, Jennifer (Joshua) Godfrey, and Amanda (Vince) Soulchin; grandchildren, Kayla, Lacey, Hannah, Caitlin, Abigail, and Alyssa Meadows, Lukas, Noah, and Kathryn Godfrey; great-granddaughter, Nala Meadows; siblings, Lawrence (Carolina) Neal, Anita (Troy) Gumbel), Bonita (Neal) Irvin, and Bryan Neal; stepbrother, Donald (Sharon) Davis.  She deeply loved and cared for all of her nieces, nephews, and friends who also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 11, 2021, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Pastor Zack Davis officiating.  Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Green Hill Cemetery with Richard Hicks, Vince Soulchin, Joshua Godfrey, Wayne Meadows, Bryan Neal, and Lawrence Neal serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.