Christy Anna Tucker Bethel

Christy Anna Tucker Bethel, 41, died July 15, 2011, after a 3.5-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was born Jan. 9, 1970, in Cookeville, Tenn. A cheerleader and honors student at Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville, she graduated in 1988 before enrolling at Harding University, from which she graduated magna cum laude in 1993 with the bachelor of science degree in nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for 11 years at several local hospitals, including Vanderbilt, St. Thomas and Centennial, in neurology/neurosurgery, medical/surgical and cardiothoracic critical care, and neonatal critical care. While working as a nurse, she returned to school full time and graduated magna cum laude in 2001 from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor of science degree in interior design. She worked as an interior designer at Kitchen and Bath Concepts, Interior Design Associates and, finally, as senior designer at The W Group in Franklin. She was diagnosed with ALS in August 2009.

Christy was vivacious, encouraging, inspiring, always witty, with a Christian spirit, constant smile, generous and loving heart, and an often disarming concern and affection for others’ needs. Her compassion knew no bounds. She fought her battle with ALS with grace, humor and determination.

In 1988, Christy met fellow Harding University classmate Doug Bethel of Chillicothe, Ohio, which resulted in the beginning of a remarkable, loving and faith-filled journey that would last 23 years. Christy and Doug were married Nov. 6, 1993, and settled in Nashville, Christy’s hometown, where they remained throughout their marriage. Their bond, as witnessed by their family and many close friends, was pure, abiding and extraordinary—a rarely seen commitment of love shared by two people whose souls were truly one.

Christy leaves behind her husband, Douglas Edward Bethel; her mother, Sherrilyn Tucker Johnson, of Nashville and Pickwick, Tenn.; her brother, Phillip Burch Tucker, of Nashville; a stepsister, Sharon Tucker Vu, of Goodlettsville, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Julie Bethel Woods, of Chillicothe, Ohio; brothers-in-law Jason Bethel and Richard Woods of Chillicothe; five aunts; four uncles; 16 cousins; other extended family; and a host of dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association Tennessee Chapter, P.O. Box 40244, Nashville, TN 37204; Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203; or the Nashville Humane Association, 213 Oceola Ave., Nashville, TN 37209.

Family and friends will gather to remember Christy on Monday the 18th day of July, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 in a drawing room at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 Tuesday morning the 19th day of July 2011 in Woodlawn's Dignity Hall. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park,