You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Retha<br />
Hucks<br />
Sunrise: September 5, 1934 | Sunset: September 15, 2017<br />
Viewing & Visitation: 9AM<br />
Celebration Of Life & Honor: 11AM<br />
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church<br />
1800 Hamlin Street, NE<br />
Washington, DC 20018
The Life & Legacy Of<br />
<strong>RETHA</strong> <strong>HUCKS</strong><br />
God in His infinite wisdom, mercy and divine love called our Mother, Grandmother and Sister, Retha<br />
Hucks home on Friday, September 15, 2017 in the morning, while receiving care at the Washington<br />
Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.<br />
Retha Donald was born on September 5, 1934 in Johnson County, North Carolina to the late Annie Mae<br />
Donald and Ivy Braswell. She was raised in North Carolina by her aunt Lizzie Robertson (deceased),<br />
whom she loved dearly and was baptized at the Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Zebulon,<br />
North Carolina. Retha graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School in Selma, North Carolina in<br />
1954. She later moved to Washington, DC in 1954 to live with her mother, where she met and married<br />
Bishop Fred M. Hucks.<br />
Retha joined the Horn of David Tabernacle of God Church in Baltimore, MD, under the pastorate<br />
leadership of her husband which is now under the leadership of their son, Bishop Vincent Hucks.<br />
Retha’s career goal was to work for the<br />
Federal Government in Washington, DC. She<br />
achieved that goal by working for the<br />
National Labor Relations Board for 16 years.<br />
She retired in 2000.<br />
After retirement she wanted her own<br />
business. Retha loved to cook so she opened<br />
Big Mommy’s Kitchen in Washington, DC,<br />
which was a huge success. She showed off<br />
her expertise in cooking at many family<br />
gatherings and provided free catering<br />
services for many events for friends and<br />
family. She was a strong willed person who<br />
loved much laugher, family gatherings,<br />
playing bingo, shopping at thrift stores and<br />
traveling.
Retha, affectionately known as “Mother Hucks” had eleven children (ten boys and one daughter)<br />
Eugene, Risa, Dexter, Larry, Fred Jr. Randy, Victor, Vincent, Duvall, David, Melvin Hucks and eight step<br />
children from Fred Hucks, Sr. previous marriage Rachel, Rudolph, Charles Linda, Ruby, Richard,<br />
Clarence and Calvin Hucks. Bishop Fred and Retha Hucks home was like a safe house in their<br />
community for many children, young adults and others. They were like mother and father to many by<br />
providing them with love in many ways as well as shelter and meals, if necessary.<br />
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bishop Fred M. Hucks, son, Eugene, step children ,Charles,<br />
Rudolph, Rachael and aunt Lizzie.<br />
Retha adored her family and friends dearly. She leaves to cherish her memory of Love, Laughter and<br />
Strength her loving and devoted children, Risa, Dexter, Larry, Fred Jr. Randy, Victor, Vincent, Duvall,<br />
David, and Melvin Hucks; step children from Fred Hucks, Sr. previous marriage, Linda, Ruby, Richard,<br />
Clarence and Calvin Hucks; her devoted sisters, Delois (Chippy) Dews and Jerrie Braswell; a devoted<br />
friend, Frank Smith; God-sons Kevin Crafton, Tyron Cowan & Calvin Dyson; sixty-nine grandchildren;<br />
forty-two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and so many great<br />
friends.<br />
Our Queen<br />
More precious than pearls;<br />
You are and will always be OUR QUEEN.<br />
Our beautiful, charismatic<br />
Magnet of love and resilience, OUR QUEEN.<br />
Our diamond, our ruby, our ray of light, OUR QUEEN;<br />
An exemplification of poise and persistence,<br />
class and nurture, OUR QUEEN.<br />
We will forever honor your existence, OUR QUEEN.<br />
Love Eternally,<br />
Your Children
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me<br />
When tomorrow starts without me and I’m not here to see,<br />
If the sun should rise and find your eyes are filled with tears for me.<br />
I wish so much you would not cry the way you did today,<br />
While thinking of the many things we have done along the way.<br />
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,<br />
That an angel came and called my name and took me by my hand,<br />
And said my place was ready in heaven for above,<br />
And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.<br />
I thought of all the yesterdays…..the good and the bad.<br />
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we’ve had.<br />
If I could relive yesterday, I thought for just a while,<br />
I’d say goodbye and kiss you all and see each of you smile.<br />
But then I fully realized, that this could never be,<br />
I would not change where I am now, My Savior’s face I see.<br />
So when tomorrow starts without me don’t think we’re far apart.<br />
For every time you think of me I’m right here in your heart.<br />
When tomorrow starts without me here’s what I’d have you to do<br />
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you.<br />
Don’t lose the love I gave you, feed it with your care,<br />
Grow it with devotion, and spread it everywhere.<br />
m o t h e r ● g r a n d m o t h e r ● s I s t e r ● f r I e n d
Order Of Service<br />
A C e l e b r a t I o n o f l I f e<br />
Processional<br />
Clergy & Family<br />
Opening Hymn “We’ll Understand it Better By and By” Congregation<br />
Scripture<br />
Old Testament<br />
New Testament<br />
Deacon Calvin Hucks<br />
Elder Kevin William<br />
Family Spokesman/Prayer of Comfort<br />
Musical Tribute<br />
Deacon Richard Hucks<br />
Deacon Calvin Hucks<br />
Resolutions |Acknowledgements |Obituary<br />
Poem Tribute From Duvall Hucks (Son)<br />
Musical Tribute<br />
Arnysha Hucks<br />
Sis. Rita D. Porter<br />
Remarks & Reflections (Two Minutes Please) Family & Friends<br />
Musical Tribute<br />
Eulogy<br />
Kevin Crafton<br />
Pastor Ronald Miles<br />
Bethel Christian Fellowship Church<br />
Closing Hymn “I’ll Fly Away” Rita D. Porter<br />
Recessional
If I thought for just one moment that this would be my last<br />
breath,<br />
I’d tell you that I love you, even beyond death.<br />
If I thought for just one moment that your face would be the<br />
last I’d see,<br />
I’d take a million pictures and save them all for me.<br />
If I thought for just one moment that your lovely voice<br />
would be the last I’d hear,<br />
I’d listen attentively and promise not to shed a tear.<br />
If I thought for just one moment that your touch would be<br />
the last I’d feel,<br />
I’d embrace you and know that this has all been real.<br />
If I thought for just one moment that your heart would beat<br />
it’s last beat,<br />
I’d thank the Lord God for allowing us to meet.<br />
If I knew that the last time we spoke would be just a<br />
memory,<br />
I’d pray that our love would last Forever, Eternally.<br />
Love Always, Duvall<br />
Mom, I will miss you,<br />
But I know that you’re ok.<br />
I swear I’ll miss our daily talks and<br />
things you use to say.<br />
I’ll shed a tear here and there<br />
but inside I always know,<br />
That God takes the best of those,<br />
so I’ll have to let you go.<br />
I’ll be the woman you taught me to be,<br />
I’ll try to carry on, But I can’t lie,<br />
you took apart of me with you,<br />
the day God called you home.<br />
Love Always, Risa
To everything there is a season,<br />
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.<br />
(Eccl 3:1)<br />
Pallbearers<br />
Family & Friends<br />
Floral Bearers<br />
Family & Friends<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
Our family would like to thank everyone for all acts of kindness and love shown during<br />
our time of bereavement. Thank you for every phone call, text message, prayer, and<br />
kind word spoken. We sincerely appreciate you. May God continue to keep each and<br />
everyone of you in his loving care.<br />
Repast<br />
Immediately Following Service<br />
Church Fellowship Hall<br />
Interment<br />
Quantico National Cemetery<br />
Monday, September 25, 2017<br />
11AM<br />
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO:<br />
Ronald Taylor II. Funeral Home<br />
1722 North Capitol St. NW<br />
Washington, DC 20002<br />
(202) 882-2732<br />
Programs By Twanitta (240) 606-6876
Change language