Aubrey Grace Hilligoss

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Aubrey Hilligoss, a fiercely loving and loyal wife, mother, and friend. After years of remarkable strength in the face of chronic health challenges caused by a rare genetic disorder, she passed away on January 23, 2026. She was 34 years old.

Aubrey Grace Hilligoss (Palmer) was born on April 17, 1991, at Kijabe Medical Center in Kijabe, Kenya, while her parents were serving as missionaries in East Africa. Her early childhood included years in Tanzania and later Mbale, Uganda - a place she carried as home throughout her life. After the family returned to Abilene, Texas, Aubrey continued to show the exceptional intellect and determination that marked her from an early age. Despite undergoing open-heart surgery during high school, she excelled academically and graduated with honors from Abilene High School in 2009.

Aubrey later attended Abilene Christian University, where she met her husband, Alan. During her sophomore year, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by studying abroad for a semester in Oxford, England, forming close friendships and memories that remained dear to her. She majored in Biology, driven by a love of animals and an interest in zoology, but unexpectedly discovered a passion for advancement work while serving as a student worker in ACU's Advancement department. Aubrey graduated from Abilene Christian University with honors and married Alan shortly thereafter in 2013.

Following her graduation from Abilene Christian University, Aubrey joined the university staff full time, continuing a career in advancement. ACU remained both her workplace and her community, and she was known for her professionalism, warmth, and deep commitment to her work. Aubrey remained devoted to her role at the university throughout her life, continuing her service until her final hospitalization.

The greatest joy of Aubrey's life was becoming a mother to her beloved daughter, Autumn, in January 2018. Motherhood filled her with profound pride and purpose, and she spoke often of how immensely grateful she was to be Autumn's mom. Even in years marked by medical uncertainty, Aubrey's love for Autumn gave her strength and resolve, and a deep desire to be present for every moment she could. She poured herself into Autumn's life with creativity, comfort, and a gentle, playful humor that could always make Autumn laugh. The love they shared was deep and enduring.

Aubrey will be remembered for her sharp intelligence and clever wit, her authentic compassion and steadfast resilience, and her fierce love for those entrusted to her care. A lifelong Christian, her faith was lived with humility, honesty, and hope, even amid the real brokenness of the world. She was an active member of Westgate Church of Christ, where she found community, purpose, and a deep trust in God that carried her through both joy and suffering.

She is survived by her husband, Alan Hilligoss; her daughter, Autumn Hilligoss; her parents, Philip and Elaine Palmer; her mother-in-law, Charla Hilligoss; her sister, Hannah Palmer; her brother, Evan Palmer; her brother-in-law, Brian Stark; her sister-in-law, Christi Stark; her nephews, Jackson and Colin Stark; her niece, Elsie Stark; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St, Abilene, TX 79602. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, from 10:30-11:30 AM at Westgate Church of Christ, 402 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605, with a graveside service to follow.

Flowers are welcome, and for those who wish to honor Aubrey's life in another way, memorial donations may also be made to the charities that were especially meaningful to her and that she herself named: the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation (loeysdietz.org), ACU's Exceptional Scholarship Fund (give.acu.edu), and the International Rhino Foundation (rhinos.org).

We love you Aubrey, and we always will.