Monica Ruth Hicks-Bailey was born on August 1, 1964 in Wichita Falls, Texas and departed to be with the Lord on February 9, 2022. She was the seventh of eight children born to AC and Mozel Hicks. She grew up in Burkburnett, Texas.

Faith in God and church attendance were foundational to Monica's love of people and her personal growth. She worked faithfully and diligently and held many positions in the church. Monica had a melodic soprano voice and she was a well-known singer throughout Texas and Southwest Oklahoma. When you were with her, she never seemed to meet a stranger. When she was not singing with her sisters and nieces, she was playing solos or playing the piano.

She attended school in Burkburnett from Head Start through high school. Monica earned a Bachelor of Special Education degree and a Master of Curriculum and Instruction degree form Wayland Baptist University. She started teaching in the Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD), married, moved to Dallas, and taught there for a number of years before returning to the WFISD. She found her niche in working with children who were considered as having special needs and also children who were considered to be at risk. She wanted every child to be successful and reach the top of his or her potential.

Monica was the first female baseball coach for the major league (12 and above) in Burkburnett, Texas. She was highly successful. Monica loved shopping, visiting with family, and taking care of her dog (Ramsey). She will be missed by her family and a countless number of friends.

Monica is survived by her husband, Anthony Bailey of Killeen; her mother Mozel Hicks of Burkburnett, Texas; siblings: Robert Hicks (Marilyn) of Denton, Charles Hicks (Delores) of Wichita Falls, Pearlie Hicks Brown of Denton, Tommie Hicks (Bonnie) of Denton, Cheryl Hicks Anderson (Clifford) of Burkburnett, Carolyn Hicks Logan (Michael) of Frederick Oklahoma, and James Hicks (Ann) of Burkburnett; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends from all over the United States.

Monica was preceded in death by her father, Deacon AC Hicks, paternal grandmother Carrie Hicks, paternal grandfather Peter Hicks, maternal grandmother Rosie Smith and maternal grandfather George Smith.

To honor Monica's legacy please make donations to the American Cancer Society of Wichita Falls, Texas.