Carol Beverly Hicks, age 81, of Belleville, passed away peacefully at her lifelong home on July 3, 2026. Born on February 8, 1945, in Willis, Michigan, Carol was the daughter of the late Edward "Ed" and Emaline (Courter) Deacons.

On June 6, 1972, she married Talmage Hicks, with whom she shared 54 years of love and companionship. Carol dedicated many years of her career as a school bus driver for Lincoln Consolidated Schools, where she took pride in safely transporting generations of students.

Carol was a gifted craftswoman whose creativity seemed to know no bounds. She found joy in creating something beautiful from almost anything - wood, fabric, paper, paint, and countless other materials. In recent years, she especially loved diamond painting and making handmade seasonal and holiday decorations. Earlier in life, she was an avid seamstress and cross-stitcher, and creating remained one of life's greatest joys.

Whether she was building something in her workshop, crafting in her sewing room, tending her flower gardens, preparing a delicious meal, or spending time with her beloved pets, Carol poured her heart into everything she did.

Known for her quick wit, unmistakable sass, and can-do spirit, Carol was never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed in. She taught those around her that the best things in life are made with your own hands, that strength comes from doing what is right, and that being true to yourself is always enough.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Talmage Hicks; her daughter, Rhonda Summerville; her loving daughter-in-law, Lynda Hicks-Parson; her cherished grandchildren, Travis Matts, Zachary (Amanda) Summerville, Emaline Hicks, Jonah Hicks, Wyatt Summerville, and Grace Hall; her loving sister, Sharon Jenkins; her nieces, Jaydee Fleshman and Tina Stark; her beloved fur babies, Pedro, Lily, Penny, Fergus, Finley, Milo, Star, and Hutch; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and was welcomed into eternal peace by her beloved son, Johnny Hicks; her sister, Yvonne Ottansman; her brothers, Buddy Deacons, Kerry Deacons, and John Elmer Deacons; and Edwin Stark, who always held a special place in her heart.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Stark Funeral Professionals in Ypsilanti. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Huron Valley Humane Society . Those wishing to send flowers are invited to honor Carol with yellow and white blooms, her favorites.

Carol's hands created beauty from whatever they touched. Her love, strength, and creativity will live on in the family she cherished and in the many things she made with care.