Gloria Joan Hicks

Gloria Joan Hicks, 89, passed away peacefully last week at the home of her daughter, in Schuyler, VA. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Gloria was the beloved daughter of Arthur Woodrow Hicks and Julia Faye Hicks.

She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside her sister, Clara Dee Holcomb, who survives her. Gloria’s early life was filled with intellectual curiosity and a deep love for music. She attended Memphis State University, where she played violin in a quartet, orchestra and at local churches, sang in choirs, served as vice president of two student clubs, and earned honors for her academic achievements. In December 1956, she married Charles Robert Edwards, also of Memphis. Together they had two children and eventually settled in Laurel, Maryland, in 1963, moving into the home they built in 1966. After 19 years, their marriage ended in divorce.

Despite the demands of raising a family, Gloria resumed her education at the University of Maryland, earning a B.S. in Chemistry in 1972 and an M.S. in Biochemistry in 1978. Her perseverance and work ethic were hallmarks of her life. From teaching violin as a high school student to selling Tupperware and serving as a graduate teaching assistant, she always found ways to support her family.

Gloria had a distinguished career in science and public service. She conducted immunology research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working at both the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Cancer Institute. Later, she joined the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where she played a vital role in reviewing the chemistry of animal drug applications. Her work helped ensure the safety of veterinary medications and the integrity of our food supply. She retired in December 1999 as a Consumer Safety Officer in the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

She was a lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ Church and was deeply involved at Heritage Christian Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. There, she sang in the choir, played violin, and served faithfully as a deacon, a treasurer, photographer and in many other ways.

Gloria lived a life rich with passion and purpose. She was a gifted musician, a dedicated scientist, and a devoted daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. She was also an avid birder, amateur photographer, and enthusiastic traveler. She was first mate when her family went sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. She loved to garden, maintain her fishpond, and to take many photos. She explored birding sites across the U.S., as well as in Trinidad, New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica, and Baja Mexico, always with her camera in hand. Her adventures included a memorable cruise up the Gulf of California to photograph whales, sea lions, and seabirds.

She will be remembered for her sweetness, warmth, intelligence, quiet strength, and kind spirit. Gloria’s love, laughter, and music touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind her sister Clara Holcomb, her nephews Larry Holcomb and Paul Holcomb, her son Frank Edwards, her daughter Cheryl Hedgman, her grandchildren Sarah Hedgman and Daniel Edwards, and her great grandchildren, Marcel and Remy Gonzalez Hedgman and Alexander Edwards.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm - 1:30pm on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home, 650 Valley St. Scottsville, VA 24590. A funeral service will be held at 1:30pm in the Chapel at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home. Per Gloria's wishes, cremation will follow and she will be interred with her family in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee at a later date.

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