Melissa A. Ricks

Fearfully and Wonderfully made, Melissa Ann Ricks, that is her name!
Melissa Ann Ricks was delivered into the arms of Earnest and Anne Smith on Monday,
December 9 th , 1968 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. From the beginning, Melissa was accompanied by
her siblings Valerie, Jacqueline, Earnestine, and Earnest Jr. The "Faithful Five" meant the world
to her, as she valued each relationship she had with her siblings. Family was always one of her
top priorities and it was evident throughout her life. As a child, Melissa was active in her education and activities. She was a part of a variety of
musical and drama selections throughout her educational career, including the marching band in
high school and sang in The Batten Transfer. Her parents emphasized how important education
was and she made sure she excelled, obtaining her Bachelors in Communication at Rider
University, formally known as Rider College. Her musical abilities date back to her childhood.
New Zion Baptist Church acted as a gateway into Melissa's prized possession, The Gift of
Remembrance: worship. She was the primary soloist for the New Zion youth choir, with her first
solo coming at the age of eight. Melissa also served as a junior usher. She was a member of The
National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and attended many conferences throughout
high school and college. While attending Rider, Melissa gained many friends, still using her God-given talents to touch
many individuals. During her attendance, Melissa met her Chocolate Daddy, Loyal Ricks, and
they began their 28-year journey. Along the journey, the two were blessed with her "everyday
joys", Loyal Joseph Ricks Jr. and William Elisha Ricks. Through close friends and family,
Melissa was offered the opportunity to gain an understanding of the true power of The Son that
rested in her. Melissa had many hobbies and interest like bringing the love of Christ through her step and
kickboxing classes with her complex routines and movements at the YMCA and many other
local fitness centers, fellowshipping with other women of Christ in Sister Cell: Woman Who
Wail by the Water, and enjoying a movie with a chocolate cake by her side. She joined the
Abundant Life Christian Center in 2005 and was an active part of the Praise and Worship and
Drama ministries. Above all, Melissa loved her some Jesus! She enjoyed fellowshipping and worshipping with
those who were open to do the same. Her outgoing personality reflected the love and comfort she
found in Christ. Melissa always believed knowing who you are was an essential part of The Shift
that becomes necessary during life in Babylon. When we understand that we are fearfully and
wonderfully made we can run the race that is set before us. Yes! "The Blood Done Signed Her
Name" and we find peace in the blessings of a well-written story. Melissa Ann Ricks embodied
her title as "God's author." It was her signature, it was her pen name and it will forever be her
way of life! Melissa was preceded in death by her mother, Anne Smith.
Missy is survived by her father Earnest Smith Sr., her loving husband, Loyal Ricks Sr., her two
sons Loyal and William, her sisters Valerie (Marcus), Jacqueline (Marc), Earnestine, Earnest
(Noreen), her mother in law Bernadette Parks-Ricks, her six brother in laws Gavin, Kevin,
Christopher, Michael, Marc, Matthew, and her three sister in laws Yvette, Trinette, and Krisette,
and a host of nieces and nephews including Emily, Jordan, Ryan, Tabitha, Austin, Khalil, Kyree,
Khyasia, her god-children Taylor, Zachary, Myles, Mehki, Paris, Isaiah, and De'lante. Dennesa,
Bernika, LaQuenta, Toni, Karen, Melba, Shariece, and Iris were just a few of her devout friends. Please sign the guestbook and have a condolence.