Jean Embree Hicks
December 3, 1916 – October 2, 2021
Jean Embree Hicks passed away at her residence in Owings on October 2, 2021. She was born in Bristol, Virginia on December 3, 1916 to Royal Burdick Embree and Ellen Maria Chapman Embree. She lived most of her childhood in Buena Vista, Virginia. Jean graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1939. Her first job after graduation was at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta, GA where she met her husband, James Earl Hicks. They were married on March 1, 1941.
Jean and Earl moved to an apartment in Washington D.C. later that year when Earl got a job at the US Treasury and Jean worked for the War Productions Board. In 1942, Jean and Earl moved to a house in Landover Hills, MD, and lastly to their beloved home “Maidstone” in 1951. Jean enjoyed cooking and working on the restoration of the house. She loved gardening—both flowers and vegetables. She loved her family.
As her children grew up, Jean was eventually able to join her husband when he traveled with his work. Since she had never traveled before, this opened a new passion for her, which led to her having a wide range of novel experiences. Jean and Earl had some wonderful trips together and later, during her very long widowhood, she found many ways to enjoy travel, including visiting every continent in the world except Antarctica.
During Jean’s 70 years at her home in Calvert County, she contributed much to the community. Jean was a founding member of the Calvert County Library and served as the president of its first board. As an owner of an historic house, she worked tirelessly on historic preservation in the county. Jean and Earl also opened Maidstone to the public many times for Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimages.
Jean is survived by her children Michael Hicks, Jacqueline Lopata (Alex), Millicent Cozzie (James), Lesley Kuczera (George), and Jennifer Dowell (James), fourteen grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl, and her brothers Royal, William, Edward, and Francis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Calvert Library Bookmobile.
Condolences
Sort Comments
Default
- Default
- Most Recent First
6 Oct 2021
11:53am
I’ve recently been researching the history of Calvert Library and Mrs. Hicks clearly was a woman with vision and passion. She was strong and dedicated to access for all. I have been so impressed by what I’ve learned about her and the rest of her board. Your loss is a loss for our whole community.
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
7 Oct 2021
10:49am
Mrs Jean Hicks was a wonderful role model for anyone interested in historic preservation. She was for me, and I always considered her to be one of the significant women in my life. My sympathy to her immediate family, and to all who knew her.
City
Sunderland
State
MD
7 Oct 2021
9:38pm
…And so passes a Calvert County Institution. Jean Hicks embraced this county and state’s long history, much of which was witnessed by her beloved Maidstone. The story of how she and her husband found Maidstone is almost magical, and the work they and their children put into preserving it could serve as a template for historic preservation anywhere. Maidstone was one of the earliest listings as a Calvert County Historic District, and the Hicks’ decision to include their property in that inventory reflected their efforts to serve as stewards of the County’s history, and influenced other historic home owners to enter their homes into the program as well. Jean was the embodiment of the word “Grace,” a dear friend to many, and an inspiration to many more. It was a blessing to know her.
City
Dunkirk
State
Maryland
8 Oct 2021
8:17am
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother. I have many fond memories of delivering milk to your home from Billandale Dairy with my Father. He greatly enjoyed the conversations he had with your Mother & Father on those Monday, Wednesday, & Friday mornings. Your Mother was a kind and gracious woman and she will always have a special place in our hearts.
City
Owings
State
MD
8 Oct 2021
9:24am
I did Jean’s hair for many years .I always looked forward to seeing her and talking to her She had so many lovely,funny stories It really was a blessing to know her and call her my friend. Condolences to her wonderful family. You are so lucky to have her for this long…a life well lived .
City
North Beach
State
Maryland's
10 Oct 2021
10:03am
Our hearts are with you as you celebrate the long and fine life of your mother. The most recent issue of Southern Maryland Living has a feature on historical homes, and Maidstone is featured in there, we were so pleased to see! God bless you all. Love, JoAnn and David
City
Owings
State
MD
15 Oct 2021
2:51pm
Carlos and I were able to watch the service from Austin, Texas. It was a lovely remembrance of Aunt Jean, my father’s sister. We have cherished memories of our visits with Aunt Jean at Maidstone, the most recent being a celebration for her hundredth birthday. I am grateful that we could participate even though it was from a distance. With much love to the family, Alice Embree
City
Austin
State
Texas
22 Oct 2021
11:14am
Thoughts and prayers with the family during this time. Jean is remembered fondly by our entire family and the years we spent as neighbors.
City
Bedford
State
VA
Sort Comments
I’ve recently been researching the history of Calvert Library and Mrs. Hicks clearly was a woman with vision and passion. She was strong and dedicated to access for all. I have been so impressed by what I’ve learned about her and the rest of her board. Your loss is a loss for our whole community.
Mrs Jean Hicks was a wonderful role model for anyone interested in historic preservation. She was for me, and I always considered her to be one of the significant women in my life. My sympathy to her immediate family, and to all who knew her.
…And so passes a Calvert County Institution. Jean Hicks embraced this county and state’s long history, much of which was witnessed by her beloved Maidstone. The story of how she and her husband found Maidstone is almost magical, and the work they and their children put into preserving it could serve as a template for historic preservation anywhere. Maidstone was one of the earliest listings as a Calvert County Historic District, and the Hicks’ decision to include their property in that inventory reflected their efforts to serve as stewards of the County’s history, and influenced other historic home owners to enter their homes into the program as well. Jean was the embodiment of the word “Grace,” a dear friend to many, and an inspiration to many more. It was a blessing to know her.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother. I have many fond memories of delivering milk to your home from Billandale Dairy with my Father. He greatly enjoyed the conversations he had with your Mother & Father on those Monday, Wednesday, & Friday mornings. Your Mother was a kind and gracious woman and she will always have a special place in our hearts.
I did Jean’s hair for many years .I always looked forward to seeing her and talking to her She had so many lovely,funny stories It really was a blessing to know her and call her my friend. Condolences to her wonderful family. You are so lucky to have her for this long…a life well lived .
Our hearts are with you as you celebrate the long and fine life of your mother. The most recent issue of Southern Maryland Living has a feature on historical homes, and Maidstone is featured in there, we were so pleased to see! God bless you all. Love, JoAnn and David
Carlos and I were able to watch the service from Austin, Texas. It was a lovely remembrance of Aunt Jean, my father’s sister. We have cherished memories of our visits with Aunt Jean at Maidstone, the most recent being a celebration for her hundredth birthday. I am grateful that we could participate even though it was from a distance. With much love to the family, Alice Embree
Thoughts and prayers with the family during this time. Jean is remembered fondly by our entire family and the years we spent as neighbors.