April 20, 2024, 100, Goldsboro —

Hansford “Hank” Thornton Ricks, 100, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 20, 2024, while being cared for at TerraBella of Southport. She was born in Wayne County to the late Marshall E. Thornton and Amy Ann Lewis Thornton on July 5, 1923. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Edward Ricks; brothers, Edwin Thornton, Durwood Thornton, and Guy Thornton; and sisters, Mildred Williams, Hortense Denning, and Marguerite Blackman.

With a smile that brightened the room, Hank made friends easily everywhere she went. She spent many years working for the Wayne County Farm Service Agency in Goldsboro. Hank was honored as a Distinguished Woman in Agriculture by the Wayne County Agricultural Hall of Fame. She was a member of The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. After retirement, Hank continued to serve as a volunteer at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Woodmen of the World, Neuse Baptist Association, and the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair. She also enjoyed being a part of the Wayne County Extension Homemakers.

Hank made it a priority to find a church family and attend services regularly. She was always active in the congregation and looked forward to times of worship. Her time at Falling Creek Baptist Church and Selah Christian Church were her last active memberships.

She spent many hours outside simply appreciating the day and all that God had provided. Most mornings, she would start by raking her yard and driveway to make sure that there were no leaves from any of the trees in her yard.

A service to celebrate Hank’s life will be held by the graveside at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Wayne Memorial Park with Rev. Patrick Muston officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.

Hank is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Jenkins, and husband, Don of Goldsboro; son, Phil Ricks and wife, Beverly of Oak Island; grandchildren, Melissa Carol Ricks Carroll (Devin), Stacie Nicole Ricks Smith (Ryan), Jason Ray Jenkins (Theresa) and Alan Christopher Jenkins; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews she loved very much.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the staff at TerraBella of Southport. Love and heartfelt thanks is also expressed to her special caregiver and friend, Betty Casey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to
Selah Christian Church
1332 Selah Church Road
Four Oaks, NC 27524

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.