Amanda Elizabeth Paris

Amanda Elizabeth Paris

Funeral Details:

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Visitation, 1-3pm New City Fellowship East Lake

Memorial Service, 3:30-4:30pm New City Fellowship (Main Campus)

Amanda Elizabeth Hicks Paris, born in Durham, NC, on December 19, 1975, is now fully cancer-free and healed in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She left the land of the dying, entering the land of the living on April 20, 2023, at 2:45 pm, in the comfort of her home, with her family surrounding her. Those of us who are left behind are heartbroken, and we are simultaneously grateful for the Hope of life everlasting in Heaven, assured for those who are in Christ. Her faith is now sight! (2 Cor. 5:7)

Amanda is preceded in death by her grandparents, Cecil and Vivian Green Couch, Montague H. and Kathleen Bell Hicks, Aunt “Jo” Josephine Couch Walker, Uncle “Bob” Robert Measamer, and her nephew Jaxton “Jax” William E. Whited. Brandon’s father, Edward Anthony Paris (47), and Brandon’s sweet sister, Tanya Nicole (7), also precede Amanda in her homegoing.

While Amanda touched the lives of so many in various jobs and service responsibilities over the years, her absolute favorite place was with her family. She met the love of her life, Brandon Lee Paris, at a Grace Baptist Church singles class in 1999. They married on August 5, 2000, and together had three beautiful and talented girls, Clarity Elizabeth (19), Cambria Lee (16), and Layla Vivian (11). Then, in November 2022, Brandon, and Amanda’s first grandchild, Ares Niko Branson, was welcomed into the family. This bundle of cuteness has brought much joy to everyone during these tumultuous times.

In addition to her immediate family, Amanda is survived by her dear mom, Mary Ruth Couch Hicks, and her beloved siblings, Kathleen (Ted) Draper, Rebecca (Jeremy) Lucarelli, and Montague (Cara) Hicks III. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Elaina (Stephen) Paris Johnson, and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Marty (Roxanne) Paris, Marlaina (Mike) Mettendorf, and Flo (Josh) Oakes. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Amanda graduated with honors from Grace Baptist Academy in 1994, where she was active in Varsity basketball, softball, soccer, choir, and band. In addition, she participated in the church girls’ choir and many mission trips. She continued her soccer career at Bryan College, where she graduated Magna cum laude, with a teaching degree in 1998. Amanda’s artistic abilities translated into unique and fun learning for students. She taught at Grace Baptist Academy, The Belvoir Blessing Place, and New City East Lake Montessori School.

Amanda was generous with both her time and attention to others. Her quiet nature to listen well, her wit, and sense of humor are remarkable qualities that have brought both fun and peace to family and friends.

She loved baking and creating art pieces for her home and others. She also enjoyed camping excursions. She was the first to call to help plan details for extended family gatherings. Even when sick, she pushed herself to bake holiday treats for everyone. Amanda was famous in the family for the incredible themed cakes she made for her precious girls’ birthdays or family showers. She also enjoyed painting and creating beautiful keepsakes.

She loved to sing with her siblings from when she was young through college and, later, with her girls and husband. Even in her last days, hearing her girls sing made her smile. Most of all, she enjoyed the simple things in life, the day-to-day with her family. Attending her girls’ concerts at school, seeing their school projects, making costumes for various events for them, and planning special breakfasts for birthdays or anniversaries was her “happy place.”

Amanda’s life shined the love and light of Jesus in many ways. In her last weeks on earth, she spoke about the importance of her faith in Christ. She wanted to share more about the forgiveness of sin and new life in Christ with her loved ones. She said, “ I want them to know, God loves them fully, and they can trust Him and His Word.” Amanda shined His love in such an authentic and humble way. We are forever grateful that the Lord allowed our lives to intersect with hers.

The Bible tells us to comfort each other with the Hope of everlasting life. Revelation 21:1-6 says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first Heaven and the first earth had passed away and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be any mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And He (God), who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’…’I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.’“

Christ is our Hope, a Hope that does not disappoint. (Romans 15:13)

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you consider donating to their "go-fund me" page, Help Amanda Fight Pancreatic Cancer. Link attached below:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/b9fkw-help-amanda-fight-pancreatic-cancer