Franklin – Marian Rose Ricks Preedy, 87, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at Courtland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Boykins, VA, and a lifelong resident of Chesapeake, she was the daughter of the late Richard Edward Ricks Sr. and Lina Belle Story Ricks.

She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, William Ernest Preedy, and 6 siblings, Richard Edward Ricks Jr., Millard Howard Ricks, Etheleen Virginia Ricks, Franklin Linwood Ricks, Joseph Wallace Ricks, and Ethel "Ricki" Ricks Benton, all of Southampton County, VA. She is survived by her brother, Calvin Edison Ricks (Sally) of Capron, VA, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marian was a 1955 graduate and co-valedictorian of Boykins High School, associate at St. Regis Paper Company in Franklin, and a member of Deep Creek United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.

Most notably, however, Marian was a fierce and compassionate caregiver for her husband, Ernest, who became disabled after an accident in 1959. For 5 decades, Marian worked tirelessly to help care and advocate for him as well as other people with disabilities.

Friends of the family are invited for a visitation at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin. William Hart Gillette of Capron Home Fellowship will lead the proceeding funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at Beechwood Cemetery in Boykins.

In lieu of flowers, Marian's family requests memorial donations be made to Samaritan's Purse, which you can do by visiting purse.org or donating by mail to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org