Funeral Information
Location:
Hadley Davis Funeral Home MLK
Date: 12-27-2025
Time: TBD
Time: TBD
Visitation Information
Location:
Hadley Davis Funeral Home MLK
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
“Jan” Ricks was born on October 9, 1952, in Alston, Georgia, to Willie O. Ricks, Jr. and Selma J. Ricks. The third of their children, she was nurtured in the close embrace of a deeply connected family whose roots took hold in Vidalia, Georgia. Surrounded by devoted grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Jan grew up within a hands-on village where love was shared freely, laughter came easily, and bonds were formed that would endure—consciously and comedically—across generations. These relationships became the greatest wealth of her life and a legacy she carried with pride.
At the age of eight, Jan relocated with her parents to Miami, Florida, a city that would become her lifelong home. She attended Dunbar Elementary School and Booker T. Washington Junior High School before graduating proudly from Miami Northwestern Senior High School (Home of the Mighty Bulls). Even as a young woman, Jan possessed a strong work ethic and a caring spirit. While in high school, she worked in the food service industry and later continued her education, earning her certification as a Medical Assistant. Jan’s professional journey consistently led her to roles centered on service and compassion. She dedicated her career to caring for elderly and mentally/emotionally vulnerable patients. Her work was never just a job; it was an extension of her heart.
In 1976, Jan welcomed her only child, embracing motherhood with devotion and determination as a hardworking single mother. Providing, protecting, and pouring love into her daughter became her life’s mission and greatest joy. After years of service at state facilities and institutions, Jan retired from Jackson Memorial Hospital in 2010.
Shortly thereafter, she relocated to Newport News, Virginia, where she lovingly supported her daughter and son-in-law in raising her grandsons. In 2014, Jan returned to Miami and, with deep honor and selflessness, assumed the role of full-time caregiver for her aging mother—a responsibility she carried with grace, tenderness, and unwavering commitment until her mother’s heavenly transition in October 2025.
Known for her “life-saving potato salad,” Jan found joy in life’s simple and shared pleasures. She treasured time spent with her abundant circle of family and friends—cooking, laughing, playing games, listening to music, dancing, watching movies, attending sporting events, and enjoying her favorite pastime, fishing.
Through life’s trials and comebacks, Jan’s proudest and most cherished roles were those of mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She adored her grandsons beyond measure, nurtured a loving and respectful bond with her son-in-law, and doted endlessly on her daughter. Her family was her heart, her home, and her greatest accomplishment.
At the age of eight, Jan relocated with her parents to Miami, Florida, a city that would become her lifelong home. She attended Dunbar Elementary School and Booker T. Washington Junior High School before graduating proudly from Miami Northwestern Senior High School (Home of the Mighty Bulls). Even as a young woman, Jan possessed a strong work ethic and a caring spirit. While in high school, she worked in the food service industry and later continued her education, earning her certification as a Medical Assistant. Jan’s professional journey consistently led her to roles centered on service and compassion. She dedicated her career to caring for elderly and mentally/emotionally vulnerable patients. Her work was never just a job; it was an extension of her heart.
In 1976, Jan welcomed her only child, embracing motherhood with devotion and determination as a hardworking single mother. Providing, protecting, and pouring love into her daughter became her life’s mission and greatest joy. After years of service at state facilities and institutions, Jan retired from Jackson Memorial Hospital in 2010.
Shortly thereafter, she relocated to Newport News, Virginia, where she lovingly supported her daughter and son-in-law in raising her grandsons. In 2014, Jan returned to Miami and, with deep honor and selflessness, assumed the role of full-time caregiver for her aging mother—a responsibility she carried with grace, tenderness, and unwavering commitment until her mother’s heavenly transition in October 2025.
Known for her “life-saving potato salad,” Jan found joy in life’s simple and shared pleasures. She treasured time spent with her abundant circle of family and friends—cooking, laughing, playing games, listening to music, dancing, watching movies, attending sporting events, and enjoying her favorite pastime, fishing.
Through life’s trials and comebacks, Jan’s proudest and most cherished roles were those of mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She adored her grandsons beyond measure, nurtured a loving and respectful bond with her son-in-law, and doted endlessly on her daughter. Her family was her heart, her home, and her greatest accomplishment.