Kim Hicks: A Beacon of Style and Motherhood

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

In the heart of Fredericksburg resides a woman named Kim Hicks, affectionately known as "Miss Kim," who embodies the essence of Southern hospitality, resilience, and timeless elegance. With a legacy steeped in love and community, Kim's grace, style, and devotion to family illuminate the lives of everyone around her. 

Born and raised in Savannah, Kim's childhood was imbued with the warmth of her tight-knit family and the rich cultural heritage of her Southern roots. Her journey took a new turn when she met her beloved husband, Bennie, and together, they embarked on a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising five children. From Newport News to Fredericksburg, Kim's dedication to her family knew no bounds as she gracefully embraced the roles of homemaker, nurturer, and matriarch.

"I was a homemaker for most of my life, and once my kids were grown, I helped to raise grandkids and some great-grandkids," Kim said. Even the neighborhood kids always felt at home with "Miss Kim."

"The neighborhood kids felt comfortable talking to me. Some of the kids from that time still call and talk or visit me even though they are not as close to my kids anymore," she explained. "I loved having children around."

While Kim admits her younger days were "a time when men preferred their wives to work at home," she occasionally would get a job outside of it. 

"I've worked in a convenience store, as a dry cleaner, as a seamstress, and as security," she said. But her most memorable job? 

"That was at the hospital across the street from our home, where three of our children were born," Kim explained. My husband, Bennie, was a carpenter, and he could build anything. Occasionally, I would go with him to work: holding this, cutting that, nailing this. He would take the kids, too, though none of them really wanted to go," she laughed. 

"Once, he worked for a doctor in the hospital across the street. I went with him to her home to work, and she offered me a job at the hospital. I don't think she felt I should be doing carpentry work, so I went to work at the hospital as a gopher," she explained. 

"She was a carpenter's wife who often worked alongside her husband," her son Kendall explained. "She learned a thing or two and used her painting and design skills to dress up and accentuate the home."

It isn't hard to tell that Kim enjoys serving others and dressing up at home, but something she enjoys most for herself is simply "dressing up!"

“When you get up and get dressed in the mornings, you just look and feel better,” Kim said. 

Kim's flair for fashion is legendary, transcending generations and inspiring all who cross her path. From her early days in Savannah, where she learned to sew and create her own clothes, to her adventures in New York City and beyond, Kim's eye for style is unparalleled. Whether she's perusing the aisles of high-end boutiques or hunting for treasures at local thrift stores, Kim's fashion journey is a testament to her creativity, resourcefulness, and unwavering self-expression.

"She learned to sew and make the clothes she could not afford," explained her daughter Keasha. "As her children grew, she found it economical to make their clothing using an old Singer sewing machine and Simplicity patterns." Kim, Bennie, and their children were never out of fashion. To this day, her children maintain the fashion habits Kim and Bennie instilled in them. 

"Every 4th of July, we take a themed photograph to commemorate Mom's birthday, honoring fashion and family," said Keasha.

"Being a fashion maven, she is a professional shopper and does not discriminate in her patronage," her son, Benjamin, explained. "She is as comfortable and willing to 'spread the wealth' at a high-end establishment or boutique or via a shopping television network as she is in a Goodwill, a Salvation Army, or a garage or yard sale."

When she's not shopping or traveling, Miss Kim can be found watching reruns of The Golden Girls. "She's an avid fan of Blanche," her son, Benjamin, explained, and she also is a fan of the incomparable designer Iris Apfel. "Thus, her affinity for comfortable, flowing, multi-patterned eclectic prints, distinctive eyewear, and bold jewelry. All of the Hicks children come by the "fashion bug," honestly, Ben went on to explain. 

"My father dressed to impress on social outings, and so did my mother. Though money was tight, they still found ways to remain dapper, including my mother's sewing (I remember many Simplicity patterns around the house) and thrifting– we all love it," Benjamin said. 

"My mother's style, demeanor, youthful exuberance, and forward fashion sense has allowed her to evolve into the queen-ager she was always meant to be."

Beyond her fashion prowess, Kim's heart shines brightest in her role as a devoted mother and grandmother. Still, she also finds joy in life's simple pleasures, from leisurely walks to the mailbox to attending church and spending quality time with family and friends. Her eclectic interests and love for travel have taken her from the bustling streets of New York City to the shores of Savannah, where she revels in the beauty of each moment and the richness of life's experiences. Kim currently lives with her daughter and son-in-law, Yvette and Peter Blake, but she often visits her other children across the country.

"I like to visit my other children when I go on vacation," said Kim. Miss Kim's children live in Oklahoma, New York, and Georgia, and she relishes the opportunity to travel despite her preference for a bus over a plane.  

"The furthest I've been is Mexico and Panama, but I hope to visit Paris at some point," she explained. When she isn't traveling, she attends local events, volunteers at polling stations, or simply shares a smile with her neighbors. 

"She supports me in my ventures of living history, book club events, and whatever else," Yvette explained. "She helps by sewing, preparing for events, and entertaining." Keeping busy is just what Miss Kim does. She loves the Fredericksburg area and all of the local events.

"If you're bored around here, then something is wrong with you," said Benjamin. "Our mother enjoys the diversity of things to do in the area, from the rural areas to the more modern spaces." 

"Shopping and eating out are her favorite things to do here," explained Keasha. "She thinks it is our responsibility to contribute to the local economy and is so very proud that she does her part to help it thrive." At 86, Miss Kim is undoubtedly thriving, as are all those around her; Kim's presence enriches the lives of all who have the pleasure of knowing her.

From her childhood in Savannah to her golden years in Fredericksburg, Kim's legacy is one of love, laughter, and timeless elegance. 

“When I die, there will be no clothes with price tags on them in my closet,” Kim laughed. “I’m wearing it all!”

As she continues to inspire those around her with her grace and style, Kim Hicks remains not just a fashion maven but a shining example of the power of family, community, and the pursuit of one's passions.