Verna West Hicks, age 86, of Elk Park, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Boone, North Carolina.

Verna was born on January 3, 1940, in Wilkes County, North Carolina, to the late Walter and Lakey West. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others, working faithfully as a CNA at Watauga Hospital for 35 years, followed by 10 years in home health care.

She was preceded in death by her son Terry Shell; grandson Christopher Shell; sisters Estelle Ayers, Mozella Marley, Blondie Minton, Marcelle Wood, Novella Hamby, Carolyn Shell; and brother Arnell West.

She is survived by her husband William "Buck" Hicks, children Keith and Lisa Shell, Ken and Lisa Shell, David and Donna Shell, Teresa and Scott Roller, Lisa and Andy Rominger; 10 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren; sister Dare Goble (Lenoir, NC); brother Melvin West (Ferguson, NC).

Funeral services will be conducted at12:00 PM Friday April 10, 2026, at Charity Baptist Church 261 Dave Greene Road Vilas, North Carolina. Interment will follow in Hicks Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 12:00, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.Hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.