The resolution recognizes the Hicks Funeral Home for its eighty-nine years of dedicated service to the Hope community, highlighting its founder, Roland A. Hicks, Jr. Mr. Hicks, who moved to Hope in 1932 after graduating from embalming school, established the funeral home on March 9, 1934. With support from local figures and the community, he created a vital service for Black residents during a time when options were limited. The funeral home has since moved locations twice and has been at its current site for the last fifty years, evolving into a respected institution in the area.

The resolution also honors the legacy of Mr. Hicks, who not only built a successful business but also contributed significantly to the community by providing accessible funeral services. As the Hicks Funeral Home prepares to celebrate its 89th anniversary on March 9, 2023, the resolution acknowledges the continuation of Mr. Hicks' legacy through the fourth generation of licensed funeral directors currently operating the business. The Senate expresses its gratitude and recognition of Mr. Hicks and the funeral home’s enduring impact on the community.