Austen Whitaker Hicks

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Austen Whitaker Hicks, a precious soul whose brief but bright life touched everyone she met. Born on April 18, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina, Whitaker graced this world with her beautiful smile, a radiant light that promised so much joy and love.

Whitaker lived a big life in her short time here with us. From Easter sunrise service on North Myrtle Beach to the polo fields of Charlottesville Virginia, she packed in as many experiences as she could. No experience meant more to her than spending time with her mommy and daddy. Her striking, beautiful blue eyes melted her parent’s hearts, and her strong spirit was admired and felt in every room. She was a true daddy’s girl from the very beginning, and he gladly became her personal assistant in life. Her mommy was wrapped around her finger.

Whitakers physical disabilities never interfered with her living life to the fullest. Her strength, determination and resilience were truly inspiring to all of those around her. Whitaker always surpassed expectations and taught so many of us how to love unconditionally. She continued to teach us through her last breaths here on Earth.

Her life came with unfair challenges, but you would never know it from the love she shared. Whitaker was a sweet yet fierce presence. We will miss her more than words can express.

Whitaker passed away in her birthplace of Durham on June 7, 2026 in the arms of her mommy and daddy. She is deeply missed by her loving parents, Phillip Greyson Hicks and Jane Winston Hicks, who cherished every moment spent with their beloved daughter. She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Marshall Hicks, Jr and Cynthia Newton Hicks, whose adoration and care added to her life's treasure. On her maternal side, her grandparents Francis Winston and Tammy Ellis Winston hold her memory close in their hearts. Whitaker’s circle of love extended to aunts, uncles, and cousins too numerous to name, each of whom treasured her brief, shining presence.

The family invites those who wish to celebrate Whitaker's life to join in visitation and funeral services on June 10, 2026. The visitation will be held at 10:00 AM at Grassy Creek Baptist Church, located at 9412 Grassy Creek Road in Bullock, NC 27507. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM at Grassy Creek Baptist Church. The family also invites everyone to Whitaker’s home at 601 College Street in Oxford following the service.

Flowers ae welcomed and appreciated or memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or March of Dimes in Whitakers’ name.

Though our hearts are heavy and our tears many, the memory of Austen Whitaker Hicks remains a beacon of innocence, pure love, and the unspoken promise of hope carried forward in the hearts of all who loved her. May her beautiful smile forever shine bright in our souls.

The family also thanks her Duke University medical team and Transitions Hospice for all of their dedicated care and support.

Gentry-Newell & Vaughan is serving the Hicks family. Online memorials may be made at www.gnvfuneralhome.com