JACKSON — Essie Stamps Hicks passed away Monday, April 24, 2017, at Magnolia Nursing Home in Jackson. She was 91.

She was a resident of Vicksburg Convalescent Nursing Home. She was born June 21, 1925, in Port Gibson. She is the daughter of the late Oscar and Julia Stamps.

“Honey,” as she was affectionately called by her family, was the third oldest of 12 children.

She lived during some of this country’s most tumultuous years, often challenging the traditional role established for women.

She lived through the administration of 16 different United States presidents and during the Post-World War II era.

She was employed at McCarty State Poultry, which later became Tyson Chicken. After retiring, she continued to work part-time for many years for Dr. Louis (Louise) Wise as a jewelry consultant.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, J.C. Cotton and Robert Hicks; three sisters, Queen Esther Thomas, Georgia Graham and Beuliah Mae Carter; three brothers, Leon Stamps, Jimmy Stamps and James Brayson.

She is survived by three sisters, Brybenna Stamps, Jessie Stamps Townsend and Mary Stamps Spann, both of Gulfport; two brothers, Willie Stamps of Port Gibson and Oscar Stamps Jr. of Kansas City, Kan.; two adopted daughters, Dianne Thomas Clincy and Charlotte Jackson; one adopted son, Charles (Glady) Thomas of Vicksburg; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be Saturday, April 19, at Westhaven Funeral Home in Jackson.