Melissa Thomas-Wicks

In Loving Memory of Melissa Thomas-Wicks November 12, 1951 – October 29, 2025

Melissa Thomas-Wicks passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025. Born on November 12, 1951, to Nellie and Tinsley Thomas Sr., Melissa lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love.

At age 31, she met and married the love of her life, James Thomas Wicks—a union truly made in Heaven. Together, they shared many joyful years and were blessed with two daughters: Heather Wicks and goddaughter Keona Franklin, whom they raised with unwavering devotion.

Melissa graduated from Wilberforce University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in social psychology. She began her career with the City of Charlottesville before relocating to Washington, D.C., where she served as a Family Services Caseworker for the Maryland Department of Human Services in Charles County. For 35 years, Melissa poured her heart into every case, offering compassion, strength, and tireless dedication. Even after retiring in 2021, she continued to serve her community by volunteering with the Office of the Attorney General and consulting on special cases.

A woman of deep faith, Melissa lived her life in service to the Lord. She was active in numerous church ministries and most recently became a cherished member of First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro. There, she served on the hospitality committee, warmly greeting attendees and making all feel welcome in God’s house. She also found joy and fellowship in the King’s Daughters Bible Study.

Outside of work and ministry, Melissa enjoyed loom knitting, baking, and celebrating holidays and special occasions with family and friends. One of her most meaningful contributions was founding a family Bible study on Zoom—an act of obedience to God’s calling that will continue in her memory.

Melissa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James T. Wicks; her parents, Tinsley Sr. and Nellie Thomas; and her siblings Mary Turner, Tinsley Thomas Jr., and Phyllis Osman. She is survived by her daughters Heather Wicks and Keona Franklin; grandchildren Kamya, Kyri, Kalen, and Kaliah; her brother Arthur Thomas (Esteline); sisters Jane Carr (Dale) and Doris Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Melissa was a kind, generous, and loving soul—a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She embodied God’s love and lived His greatest commandment: to love one another as He has loved us. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and service will be treasured always. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro. Interment will follow at National Harmony Memorial Park in Hyattsville, MD. Family and friends may visit on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Lee Funeral Home, 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd, Clinton, MD 20735.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Melissa Thomas-Wicks.