Funeral Information
Location:
Greater New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
Date: 10-18-2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Greater New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
Ms. Selma J. Ricks was born on November 23, 1927, in Alston, Georgia, to the late William “Bob” Johnson and Ida Bethea. She was the youngest of eight children—three sisters, (Arizona Powell, Sallie Mae Collins, Mildred Bonner) and four brothers, (Willie Johnson, Albert Johnson, Horace Johnson, Marvin Johnson), all of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Vidalia, Georgia, where her warm spirit and caring nature began to shine early in life.
While living in Vidalia, she met Willie Otis Ricks, Jr., and they were united in holy matrimony in 1946. They relocated to Miami, Florida in 1955, where they continued to build their family, eventually welcoming six children.
Ms. Selma was a devoted member of Greater New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully and proudly served as an usher until her health began to fail. Even when she could no longer serve in that capacity, her faith never wavered—she remained steadfast in praise and worship, learning to attend church services virtually until the Lord called her home.
Ms. Selma began her career in the hospitality industry and later joined Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she dedicated more than 26 years of service. She started in housekeeping and, through hard work and commitment, advanced to the position of Pharmacy Clerk, where she served for over a decade before retiring. After retirement, her compassionate heart led her back to Jackson Memorial as a volunteer grandmother in the NICU, comforting premature babies with her gentle touch. In her spare time, she found peace and joy in one of her favorite pastimes—fishing, a love she passed down to most of her children and grandchildren. Ms. Selma continued to live life to the fullest further into her retirement—enjoying sewing, cooking, and baking her world-famous sweet potato pies. She loved traveling with her friends and other senior groups and was well-known for her quick wit, contagious laughter, and comedic timing as she often shared a joke (or three) wherever she went.
Ms. Selma J. Ricks, our beloved matriarch, was called home by the Lord for eternal rest on October 11, 2025. She was preceded in death by her treasured son, Arthur Ricks, and adored granddaughter, Sabrina Brown. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: Louise O’Brien, Janice Ricks, Roy Ricks (Carolyn), Carl D. Ricks (Rhonda), and Robin Ricks; her nurtured grandchildren: Carl “Fred” Ricks, Robert “Bobby” Brown, Jr. (Errolyn), Bridgette O’Brien (Stafford), Nikki Ricks-Mallard (Rediar), Felicia “Flip” McTiller (Tromane), Artillia “Tillie” Brooks, Justin Ricks, and Vashti “Sam” Ricks; 31 great-grandchildren; 27 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will remember her with deep love and gratitude, cherishing the countless joyous moments and life lessons she shared.
Ms. Selma’s legacy of faith, love, laughter, values, and devotion will continue to guide and inspire all the branches of her family tree for generations to come.
While living in Vidalia, she met Willie Otis Ricks, Jr., and they were united in holy matrimony in 1946. They relocated to Miami, Florida in 1955, where they continued to build their family, eventually welcoming six children.
Ms. Selma was a devoted member of Greater New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully and proudly served as an usher until her health began to fail. Even when she could no longer serve in that capacity, her faith never wavered—she remained steadfast in praise and worship, learning to attend church services virtually until the Lord called her home.
Ms. Selma began her career in the hospitality industry and later joined Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she dedicated more than 26 years of service. She started in housekeeping and, through hard work and commitment, advanced to the position of Pharmacy Clerk, where she served for over a decade before retiring. After retirement, her compassionate heart led her back to Jackson Memorial as a volunteer grandmother in the NICU, comforting premature babies with her gentle touch. In her spare time, she found peace and joy in one of her favorite pastimes—fishing, a love she passed down to most of her children and grandchildren. Ms. Selma continued to live life to the fullest further into her retirement—enjoying sewing, cooking, and baking her world-famous sweet potato pies. She loved traveling with her friends and other senior groups and was well-known for her quick wit, contagious laughter, and comedic timing as she often shared a joke (or three) wherever she went.
Ms. Selma J. Ricks, our beloved matriarch, was called home by the Lord for eternal rest on October 11, 2025. She was preceded in death by her treasured son, Arthur Ricks, and adored granddaughter, Sabrina Brown. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: Louise O’Brien, Janice Ricks, Roy Ricks (Carolyn), Carl D. Ricks (Rhonda), and Robin Ricks; her nurtured grandchildren: Carl “Fred” Ricks, Robert “Bobby” Brown, Jr. (Errolyn), Bridgette O’Brien (Stafford), Nikki Ricks-Mallard (Rediar), Felicia “Flip” McTiller (Tromane), Artillia “Tillie” Brooks, Justin Ricks, and Vashti “Sam” Ricks; 31 great-grandchildren; 27 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will remember her with deep love and gratitude, cherishing the countless joyous moments and life lessons she shared.
Ms. Selma’s legacy of faith, love, laughter, values, and devotion will continue to guide and inspire all the branches of her family tree for generations to come.