Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina

Apostle Elton Lorenzo Ricks, Sr., 74, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, a devoted servant of God and a beloved pillar of his community, was called home to be with the Lord on April 26, 2025. Born on September 14, 1951, he was the cherished son of the late Gurnie and Sadie Ricks.

A proud product of the Southampton County Public School System, Elton went on to live a life full of faith, family, and service. In December 1972, he married the love of his life, Beverly Ricks, with whom he shared many blessed years until her passing.

At just 18 years old, Elton, alongside his brother, Clarence, gave his life to Christ and was filled with the Holy Spirit in 1969 at New Mount Carmel United Holy Church of America in Sedley, Virginia. From that life-changing moment, he never wavered in his devotion to God's calling.

Apostle Ricks and his wife founded the Miracle Tabernacle Church of Deliverance (MTCOD) and later established the MTCOD Christian School. Under his powerful leadership, the ministry became a place of profound healing and deliverance. The anointing that flowed through Apostle Ricks was undeniable – many were saved, healed, and transformed through his ministry. His unwavering faith and obedience to God touched countless lives, and his legacy of spiritual leadership continues today under the guidance of his faithful son, Tony.

Apostle Ricks was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Ricks; brothers: McKinley "Speedy" Ricks Sr., Marvin Ricks Sr., Floyd Ricks, Eddie Lee Ricks, and Leroy Ricks Sr.; and sisters: Thelma Hilliard, Gladys Faltz, and Bernice Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children: Elton Lorenzo Ricks Jr., Tony Ricks (Sophia) and their children, Ashley, Makaila, Olivia, and Caleb, Tabitha Ricks and her sons, James and Taveon, Jonathan Ricks of Cartagena, Colombia, and Taequana Jones and her children, Brooklyn, Kaitlyn, and Kingston, all of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his brothers: George Wallace Ricks (Mae) of Courtland, VA and Clarence H. Ricks (Cathy) of Newport News, VA; his sister: Clara Cornell Turner (Clarence) of Smithfield, VA; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, extended family, and spiritual sons and daughters.

Apostle Ricks ran his race with strength, integrity, and compassion. His legacy of faith, family, and deliverance will live on through all those he touched.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord."

Matthew 25:23

A visitation for Apostle Elton Lorenzo Ricks, Sr. will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Evangelistic Church of Deliverance, located at 195 Sycamore Street, Weldon, North Carolina. The funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 1:00 PM.

These professional services have been entrusted to H.D. Pope Funeral Home at 520 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina 27870.

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