Obituary of Darienne Hicken

Darienne Louise Hicken was born in Orlando, FL. on August 30, 1983. She was adopted at birth by David and Diedre (Sanborn) Hicken. Darienne was born with spina bifida and faced many challenges during the first five years of her life. She had to learn to speak, eat, walk and breathe like the rest of us do. She was a very special child in every way. As she grew, her true gentle spirit emerged. Her parents adored her. She started school in regular classes, and blossomed with many friends. When her family moved, she attended jr.high at Lakeside in Orange Park. She volunteered to help with the autistic class. She helped present a power point presentation at the national Spina Bifida conference. She was very active in the SB association of Jacksonville. She was also active in her young woman's program at her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Mandarin. When Darienne entered high school, she was only able to attend for one and a half years. She was in a lot of pain, and had other health issues. She was taught in the school district's hospital homebound program. This was hard on her as she missed her friends. She was able to graduate with a regular diploma. During this time at home, she became very close to her grandfather who lived with the family. He loved her so much, that he cried each time we had to take her to the hospital. After high school, she met the love of her life, Tommy Harvey. Against all odds and medical advice, she bore a son, Xavier Adrian. They were joined at the hip, and they loved each other beyond words. Darienne never questioned why she was born the way she was. After 15 surgeries, pain and therapy, she accepted her life and embraced it loving everyone. The family wound like to give credit to the Nemours Clinic, and Wolfson Children's Hospital for the excellent care, and encouragement they gave to Darienne and her family. She will be sorely missed by her parents, David and Diedre Hicken and her siblings: Adrienne, Justin, Eric, Shanyea, Karyn, Irene, and William. She was predeceased by her brother, Colby, and sister, Jillian .Also missing her are her partner, Tommy Harvey, and beloved son, Zay. She also leaves her partner's parents John and Loretta Harvey who she dearly loved. Her memorial service is as noted above. She will be inurned with a graveside service in the spring in the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery in Hartwick Seminary,. NY. She will be buried beside her beloved grandpa and grandma. Until we meet again, princess. We will all love you forever. "When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God" Mosiah 2:17