Nyanna Arie Austin

Ms. Nyanna Arie Austin, age 24, of Chapel Hill, NC, transitioned to eternal rest Monday, September 22, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. 

With hearts full of love, we celebrate the homegoing of Miss Nyanna Arie Austin, who departed this life September 22, 2025, at Duke University Hospital to enter into eternal rest.

Nyanna was born April 2, 2001, to James “JT” Thomas and Kimberly Denise Austin. “Na Na” as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She attended public schooling in Orange and Durham Counties.

She will always be known for her bubbly personality, comedic spirit and sense of fashion. Nyanna enjoyed music, dancing, singing and spending time with family and friends. Nyanna had many talents and gifts but her greatest were her three children, Carter, Aayurah and Aazeleah.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather, James Thomas Sr., and her uncle, Paul Austin.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy will live on through those she loved.

She leaves behind her mother, Kimberly Austin (Chapel Hill, NC), father, James Thomas Jr. (New Hill, NC), grandmothers, Janet Austin (Chapel Hill, NC) and Shirlene Thomas (New Hill, NC), aunt, Sherae Thomas (Durham, NC), uncle, Preston Thomas (South Korea); brothers, James Thomas III (Durham, NC), Jasiah Thomas (Burlington, NC), Johnathan and Javon Johnson (Chapel Hill, NC); sisters, Jamarah Thomas (Mebane, NC), Jessica Beckford (Chapel Hill, NC), and three heartbeats: son, Carter Denny (Chapel Hill, NC), and daughters, Aayurah and Aazeleah Shepherd (Castalia, NC). She also leaves behind her stepfather, Johnnie Johnson and a host of relatives and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC