Our History
Hicks Funeral Home can trace its origin began back to the late 1800’s, when the business was owned by M. E. Maxwell. At that time the funeral home was located in the upstairs of the Elberton Department Store which later housed J. C. Pool and Company. Like many of the early funeral establishments, they also ran an ambulance service that provided free ambulatory transport for Elberton residents. The M. E. Maxwell, Tom Maxwell and Pat Furcron families operated the joint businesses until relocating the funeral home in 1940 to its present location at 231 Heard Street. This was the former residence of another turn-of-the-century dry goods merchant, Mr. Joseph Cohen, who built the house in 1905.
The business was purchased in 1953 by Redding and Viola Hicks. The Hicks family served Elbert and surrounding counties for almost 40 years. In 1991 Mr. and Mrs. Hicks made the decision to retire and thus sold the firm to Mr. Walter Mills. Mr. Mills operated the business until his retirement in March of 2004. Today our funeral service family includes our owners, Greg and Debbie Rollings, our General Manager and Funeral Director, Amanda Lucas; Director of Community Relations and Hospitality, Phyllis Thompson, Funeral Service Apprentice, Henry Mattox; Office Manager, Brittany Adams; Office Assistant, Margaret Purvis; and our Funeral Service Associates: Allen "Cement" Black, Kent Guest, Andrew Danals, Mary Jean Ginn, Corbin Mattox, and Mary Anne Worley. Our facilities and grounds manager is Barry Black, assisted by Mr. Billy McClain.
Over a century later the staff at Hicks Funeral Home is proud to continue the tradition of committed service in Elbert County. We honor our legacy and vow to provide every family that calls upon us with dedication and compassion in their time of need.
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Amanda Henderson Lucas Manager and Licensed Funeral Director/ Licensed Embalmer
Amanda is a native of White County in the North Georgia Mountains. She began her career in funeral service at the age of 15 and she cannot imagine doing anything else. Amanda has a passion for serving families and is known for thinking outside the box when it comes to honoring someone's life and legacy.
She is a 2005 graduate of Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro with an associate's degree in Funeral Service Education. She also holds a BSEd from Valdosta State University in Adult and Career Education with an emphasis in Workforce Education Development, and she is currently pursuing an MSEd in the same concentration.
Amanda enjoys taking her two young children on surprise vacations (especially when there is an area of historical significance involved), watching her children play baseball and twirl a baton, and listening to southern gospel and bluegrass music. Most recently they visited Washington DC and Mount Vernon, where her son Saxon had the honor of placing a wreath in the tomb of General George Washington.
She is a proud Rotarian, member of Elberton Lions Club, an advocate for Project Linus, and an honorary member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia. Amanda is honored to now be a part of the Elbert County communities and is looking forward to raising her children here. -
Phyllis Thompson Director of Community Relations and Hospitality
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Henry Mattox Funeral Service Apprentice
Henry resided in Oglethorpe County until 1991, at which time he returned to his native home in Elbert County, where he currently resides with his wife of 25 years Melissa, and their daughter Michaela and son Corbin. He and his family are members of Fortsonia Baptist Church. He is currently furthering his education, while serving as a Funeral Service Apprentice. Henry is honored to serve the citizens of Elbert County as a Fireman and First Responder for the past 20 plus years.
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Brittany Adams Office Manager
Brittany grew up in Elbert County in the little town of Dewy Rose. She was homeschooled until she graduated in 2014. She loves nature photography and she continued growing her education online at New York Institute of Photography.
Brittany started working for Hicks in February of 2020. Brittany loves her work family and being able to work as a team. She enjoys being able to serve families and help them any way she can. Brittany hopes by working here that she can continue to shine the light of Jesus and show love and kindness to those who need it. -
Margaret Purvis Funeral Associate & Pre-Need/Aftercare Consultant
Margaret resides in Royston, Georgia with her husband, Gary, and daughter, Anna. Shortly after her retirement from teaching in 2007, Margaret joined the Hicks Funeral Home Staff. She has found this work to be so fulfilling as she assists families in their time of need, and also as she helps people consider and plan for the future through preneed arrangements. One of Margaret’s favorite quotes is: “If you want to be happy for a lifetime, serve others.” Margaret considers herself very blessed with the opportunity to serve the families in this county and surrounding areas as part of the Hicks Funeral Home Staff.
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Allen "Cement" Black Funeral Service Associate
Allen is a lifelong resident of Elbert County, and a charter member of Francis Asbury United Methodist Church. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and served his country for four years. Among his duties, he served one year in Vietnam as a combat advisor to the South Vietnamese Air Force. Allen retired from the City of Elberton after 35 years of service with the Utilities Department. He has known the Hicks Family for over 50 years, and joined our staff in June of 2008.
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Kent Guest Funeral Service Associate
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Rev. Andrew Danals Funeral Service Associate
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Corbin Mattox Funeral Service Associate
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Mary Jean Ginn Funeral Service Associate
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Mary Anne Worley Funeral Service Associate
