XAVIER LEIGH HALL HICKS was born on Sunday, September 27, 1942, in Lone Oak, GA to Countess Cedora Fitten Hall and Vinson Hall. She was raised in Detroit, Michigan by her mother and stepfather, William Herring, Sr. As a child, Xavier accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, was an active member of Central C.M.E. Church, and was corresponding secretary of the NAACP Youth Council. She attended Chadsey High School, where she won awards as an orator and essayist, led the Cheerleading team, and was a skillful, first-chair violinist in the orchestra. She graduated with top honors in 1960, and received a scholarship to Eastern Michigan University to study foreign languages and education, with a minor in music. Prior to graduation, Xavier joined the illustrious sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Chapter of Eastern Michigan University. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree, Xavier worked as a bilingual interviewer for the Michigan Employment Office. She then began a career in education that spanned over 30 years, serving thousands of students in Detroit Public Schools. She taught French and Spanish at Noble Middle, M.L. King Jr. High, and Cody High Schools. After earning a M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from Wayne State University, she was a counselor at both M.L. King Jr. High and Western International High Schools, helping hundreds of students forge their paths into college. Xavier married the love of her life, Raymond, on January 29, 1971. To their union were born two daughters, Lesleigh Cherisse, and 6 years later, Lori Celeste. Raymond describes Xavier as his best friend and true partner in life and love. Their marriage was an example of selfless devotion, with God as the head. As a mother, Xavier planted her gifts of music, culture, and knowledge into her girls and was diligent in raising them strong in mind, faith, and spirit. She was a proud grandmother who absolutely adored her grandsons, Sulaiman Jr., Ahmad, and Daniel. Xavier’s compassion was how she loved, counseled, and drew others to know God for themselves. She served on the youth, marriage, and women’s ministries of both Oak Grove A.M.E. Church in Detroit, MI and later, at New Covenant Believer’s Church in Columbus, OH. Xavier was a praying woman, who nurtured a deep and loving relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Her knowledge of scriptures gave her wisdom that allowed her to minister to everyone she met with a specific and personal word of encouragement. Her faith in the power of God was the key that led to her total healing from cancer. On Thursday, October 5, 2017, Xavier transitioned from this life to be in the presence of the Lord. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and stepfather; one sister, Rose (Andy) McConnell; and dear friend, Bessie Lowry. She leaves to celebrate and continue her rich legacy her loving husband of 45 years, Raymond Lawrence Hicks; two daughters, Lesleigh Cherisse (Sulaiman, Sr.) Mausi and Lori Celeste Hicks; three grandsons, Sulaiman Mausi, Jr., Ahmad Raymond Mausi, and Daniel Lawrence Hicks; seven brothers, William Herring, Jr., Garry Herring, Vinson (Merry) Hall, Jr., George Patrick (Sun) Hall, Bobby Hall, James Hall, and Mark (Marcie) Hall; four sisters, Carolyn Hall, Valerie Hall, Alicia Hall, and Sueanne Hall; one sister-in-law, Gwendolyn (Kenneth) Dunagan; one brother-in-law, Charles J. (Joyce) Hicks, Jr.; dear friend, Darleen (Walter) Moss; dozens of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and a great host of loving family members and devoted friends. May the spirit of Xavier Leigh Hicks live on through all of us in thought, word, and deed.

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