Margaret Hicks Williams

Mrs. Margaret Hicks Williams, 83, of Rockingham, died Monday, July 20, 2009 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Mrs. Williams was born September 11, 1925 in Richmond County, NC, a daughter of the late James F. and Nettie Swink Hicks. She was a graduate of Rockingham High School, Class of 1943, and the Charlotte Memorial School of Nursing, Class of 1946. Her life long interest in Nursing endeared her to her patients and co-workers. From October, 1952 until her retirement in July, 1989, she served as Delivery Room Supervisor, Director of Nursing Services and Director of Community Relations with Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham. She was a member of the North Carolina Nurses Association, the Retired Nursing Personnel “Share and Care” Group, and an active member of the Rockingham Women’s Club. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Rockingham, a church she loved and has given many years of service in the Children’s Department. She received the distinction of being the first female Deacon to be named at the church. Her faith was the foundation on which she lived her life. Her former husband, Jack D. Deese, preceded her in death. Surviving are her husband, William L. Williams of the home; son, Jody Wayne Deese and wife Kathy of Milledgeville, GA; daughter, Judy Deese Sweatman and husband John of Huntsville, AL; sister, Catherine Hicks Brown and husband Jesse of Bostic, NC; brother, James F. Hicks, Jr. and wife Stephanie of Cornelius, NC; stepsons, Rev. William F. Williams and wife Edna of Aberdeen, NC, Preston Williams and wife Taska of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Brandi Deese Strickland, Jack W. Deese, and Margaret Cooper Sweatman. Also surviving are step-grandchildren, Jamie gardner, Bradley Williams, William S. Williams, Matthew Williams; a great-grandchild Gracie Claire Strickland; step-great-grandchildren, John Williams, Charles Williams, Isabel Williams, William L. Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday at First Baptist Church of Rockingham with Rev. Dr. James Nelson officiating. Interment will follow in Eastside Cemetery. The family will see friends following the service at the graveside. Memorials may be made to the Margaret Hicks Williams Nursing Scholarship, c/o First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph St. Rockingham, NC 28379 or to a charity of choice.