Carolyn Jean Hicks

GARNER - Carolyn Murray Hicks, 79, passed away in the evening hours of Friday, June 26, 2026, at WakeMed in Raleigh.

She was born in Harnett County on July 1, 1946, the daughter of the late Paul Davis and Violet Johnson Murray. Carolyn grew up in Erwin, North Carolina, where the values of faith and family were instilled at a young age. A woman of strong spirit and faith, Carolyn was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and stayed connected with her church home of Erwin Baptist Church through their livestream ministry.

Carolyn was the co-owner and worked beside her husband for many years at Hicks Utilities. Carolyn demonstrated her faith in many ways, but most notably through her public service. She was an active participant with the Relay for Life in Garner for many years, as well as a member of the Eastern Star Cary Chapter #366. Despite living with MS for over 40 years, she never complained. She enjoyed the beauty of nature, particularly birds and flowers. Of all her hobbies and pastimes, Carolyn's favorite was her family.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Leanne Keith and husband, Tim of Wake Forest; son, Brian T. Hicks and wife, Heidi of Raleigh; granddaughters, Lauren and Kendall Keith, and Gracie and Allie Hicks; sister, Paulette Johnson and her canine companion, Lou of Oak Island; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Linwood T. Hicks; and a sister, Sharon Horne.

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner (1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529), immediately followed by a funeral service in the chapel at 11:00 AM.

The funeral service will reconvene for a committal at 1:30 PM in the mausoleum at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens (770 Stadium Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587).

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn's memory to the Linwood T. Hicks Scholarship Fund c/o William T. Bain Lodge # 231 (9429 Ten-Ten Road Raleigh, NC 27603).

The family would like to send their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Bellarose for their compassionate care and love towards Carolyn.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com