Detria Dian Gouldsby Hicks

On June 2, 2025, Detria Dian Gouldsby Hicks, affectionately known as Nanaw, Grand T, Aunt D, Miss D, and DD, earned her wings after receiving scores of family and friends, where she continued to shower them with wisdom, love, and encouragement through her infectious smile. Born to Rev. Isaac Cornelius Gouldsby, Sr. and Grace Lee Fort Gouldsby on July 22, 1953, at the only hospital in the area that accepted Negro patients, St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana, Arkansas, she was raised in Hooks, Texas. In a home that embodied a strong work ethic, she received her spiritual foundation from her parents, which would carry her throughout her entire life. In 1961, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and grew her faith. Many have shared that she brought them to Christ.

Detria’s joyous home life was rooted in a home of collaboration, nurturing talents, and supporting friends and neighbors, along with a foundation of self-sufficiency. It was all-hands-on-deck for the family farm, which was the legacy from her paternal and maternal grandparents. 

Detria attended Hooks Colored School from PreK- 8th grade. Early on in life, Detria was set apart to be the “first”: the 1st daughter to be born of Grace and Issac; the 1st to be among the class that Hooks Colored School had for PreK; the 1st among the Negro students to integrate Hooks High School; the 1st Black female to try out and make the high school marching band; and the 1st Black student to have a speaking part in the school One Act Play. Everyone’s well-being, success, and happiness, including peers and relatives, was fostered in the home, and Detria’s character was the epitome of that in her daily walk. Because of Detria’s personality, many witnessed their first encounter of interracial friendships at the forefront of school integration.

Detria was an accomplished pianist in classical music and played for local churches, including Red Bank Baptist Church and 11th Street Baptist Church. As a Hooks High School graduate of the Class of 1971, she was a trailblazer, trendsetter, and role model through her interscholastic pursuits, excelling in math competitions and tennis. 

Detria would say a highlight of her life was her family. She married the love of her life, John Henry Hicks, in 1972. During their 53 years of marriage, their home was “8330, The Pit Stop.” To this union, two sons, Duane Cornell and Anthony Jerome, were born. Detria was team mom at their schools and in all their sports from elementary to college, also serving as surrogate mom for many Lake Highland Wildcat athletes. With an open heart and open arms, Detria’s son count rose to four with Joc and Broc.

While juggling her time supporting kids in the community, she served in leadership roles at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in the Women's Ministry, Usher Board, Food Pantry Ministry, and Deaconess Ministry. She continued her education, graduating at the top of her class from The Elkins Institute. She took pride in her entrepreneurial endeavors, providing the unique services rendered by “What ya Want D”. In 2012, she retired as a trusted team member of Lynx Data Terminal. 

A natural convener, for decades, she was the selfless organizer of the unique Fort Family Reunions, to honor heritage and teach generations about the family branches’ contributions to our country and our economy. Along with being a confidant, she was a caregiver for many over the years. Over the 35 years of The Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation, she, as a co-founder, selflessly gifted her time and vision. She enjoyed tailgating at ETSU football games and ringing a cowbell at a Texas Longhorn game. A woman of adventure, you could find her umpiring a baseball game, on a zip-line, singing karaoke with her nieces, on a Dallas Skyscraper as a pyro tech, on the dance floor, or nursing her flowers.

Detria was humble, loving, kind, inclusive, patient, devoted, reliable, industrious, and fun. Transitioning with a smile on her face, she was welcomed by her parents; brothers, Willie Harold and Gregory Garcia; and sisters, Fritzi’ Pikes Woods and Donna Mathews Haynes. Those left to cherish lasting memories include her husband, John Henry; her sons - Duane (Shari), Anthony (Amy), Joc, and Broc (Donyell); her brothers, Isaac (Cheryl), George (Vicki), and Anthony (Pam); her sisters - Yolanda Franklin (Davie), Mattye Jones (Nathan), Altonette Ford (Wallace), and Cheryl Gouldsby-Wolfe (Kerroy); ten grandchildren - Eboni Lomax, Donte Lomax, Reese Hicks, Jazlyn Lomax, London Hicks, Cade Hicks, Axton Hicks, Aubry Hicks, Jair Lomax, and Darius Hicks; her cousins (especially the “53’s”); numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends. 

Detria said, “I am dedicated to God and then my family.” She hoped to demonstrate love, patience, forgiveness, and a playful attitude. Detria would tell us all, “Be Blessed, Be Safe, Be You!"

To view Detria’s Celebration of Life, click the link below:

Celebration of Life for Detria Dian Gouldsby Hicks

In Detria's honor, all are encouraged to consider a donation to the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation. Click the link below to learn about the foundation.

About the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation

Click the link below to donate. 

Donate to the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation
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