CAROLINE BERNICE HICKS

Remembering the Life & Legacy of Caroline Bernice Hicks

Caroline Bernice Hicks, born Caroline Bernice Henderson, peacefully passed away on April 13, 2026, at the age of 81. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories that will live on for generations.

Early Life and Education

Caroline was born on December 4, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to the late Carroll Henderson and Daisy Durham. Raised in a close-knit family, she developed strong values rooted in love, resilience, and authenticity. She attended District of Columbia Public Schools, where she studied at Sousa Junior High School and graduated from Eastern Senior High School.

Early Adulthood and Career

As a young woman, Caroline was known for her beauty, confidence, and unmistakable presence. She carried herself with grace and boldness, bringing life and energy into every room she entered. In her early twenties, she began her professional journey as a clerk typist with WMATA (Metro), where she built a steady and dedicated career before retiring after many years of service.

Family and Love

In 1966, Caroline welcomed her son, Leon Johnson Jr., whom she loved deeply and raised with both strength and care. In 1979, she married the love of her life, Millard A. Hicks, beginning a partnership grounded in love and commitment. In 1982, she welcomed her daughter, Daisy Hicks, completing her immediate family and continuing her legacy of love and guidance.

Life Experiences and Community

Throughout her life, Caroline embraced new experiences and environments while remaining deeply connected to her roots. Whether surrounded by family, friends, or community, she found joy in togetherness. She was known for her vibrant personality, her unwavering beliefs, and her ability to make others feel seen and valued. Her home was often filled with laughter, celebration, and meaningful connection.

Later Years and Legacy

As the years passed, Caroline’s greatest joy came from her growing family. She treasured her role as a grandmother to Leon Johnson III, Sparkle Perry, Noel Johnson, Nakhi Hicks, and Chamberlyn Hicks, and as a great-grandmother to Kairo Herold, Kaminzah Johnson, and Milani Hicks. She took pride in each generation, pouring love, wisdom, and joy into their lives.

Caroline remained young at heart throughout her life—steadfast in her beliefs, confident in who she was, and committed to living authentically. Her life was a testament to putting family first, embracing joy, and standing firmly in one’s truth.

Legacy of Love

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Leon Johnson Jr.; her daughter, Daisy Hicks; her sister, Juanita Anthony (Harold); her niece, Lucretia Morris (Harry); her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, Carroll Henderson and Daisy Durham; her beloved husband, Millard A. Hicks; and her siblings, Cora Lee Washington, Boyce Durham, Jr., George Edward Henderson, James William Durham, Alice Bethea, Ester Durham, and Ralph Lee Henderson.

Caroline’s memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her. Her fierce spirit, loving heart, and joyful presence will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

Peaceful journey. Your life was a beautiful story, and your legacy will live on forever.

Peaceful journey. You will always be loved and never forgotten.