Alvenia Goens Hicks, 79, of New Haven, entered eternal rest on October 22, 2023. She was the beloved widow of John Alfred Hicks; whom she was married to for 47 years. Mrs. Hicks was born in Dunnellon, FL on January 4, 1944, to the late William Jesse Goens, Sr. and Lucille Chisolm Goens. She also held close to her heart the memory of Mrs. Alma Eddings, who cared for her and her siblings after the deaths of their parents. Alvenia was raised and educated in Dunnellon, Florida, relocating to New Haven, CT as a young woman.

She leaves to cherish loving memories of her life, a daughter, Michelle Gore-Hicks; grandchildren, Steven C. Haywood, Jr., Na’Oni M.A. Haywood, Ray’Jon W.M. Sanders-Boyd; and a host of loving great-grandchildren, adopted great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, god-children, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Mamie Lucille Reed, Annie Lee Agnes Goens Gilchrist and one brother William Jesse Goens, Jr. Alvenia loved the Lord and served faithfully in ministry for many years at Bible Gospel Center in Hamden, CT until the time of her passing. She was an Early Childhood Education educator and spent 20 years serving families in the New Haven community as an employee of the New Haven Board of Education. Honoring God through loving her family and ministering to the needs of others were her great life passions. Alvenia was committed to uplifting people in any way that she could and often quoted her favorite scripture as a source encouragement:

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10 (KJV)

A service celebrating Mrs. Hicks’ life and legacy will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, at 6:30 P.M. at Bible Gospel Center, 143 Leeder Hill Dr., Hamden, CT. Livestream available at https://youtube.com/live/tH8DBX9Y3sg?feature=share

The family of Mrs. Alvenia G. Hicks is forever grateful for all the prayers, love, and expressions of sympathy extended to them during this difficult time. Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is asking that well-wishers not stop by the home of Mrs. Alvenia Hicks. To continue to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions, a repast will not be held following the memorial service.