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Christy Ann Witherington
Obituary

Christy Ann Witherington died in her home in Durham, NC of natural causes on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. Christy was born August 14, 1979 in Durham, England where her parents lived from 1977 – 1980 while her father pursued his Ph.D. at the University of Durham. Christy graduated from P.L. Dunbar High School in 1997. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Purdue University in 2002 with a degree in experimental psychology. She completed her Masters in Analytics at North Carolina State University in May 2010. Since June 2010 she worked as a project scheduling consultant for IBM.

Christy is survived by her parents, Ann Sears Witherington and Dr. Ben Witherington III of Lexington; her brother, David Witherington of North Wales, PA; her grandmother, Joyce West Witherington of Charlotte, NC; her maternal aunt, Elaine Sears-Dennehy of Attleboro, MA; her paternal aunt, Laura Joyce Witherington of Jacksonville, FL; and her Russian “sister” Yuliya Tsutserova.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Ben Witherington Jr, and her maternal grandparents, Ralph and Florence (Boucher) Sears.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, January 17, from 6-8 PM at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road. A special service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, January 18, at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Blue Grass Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, charitable gifts in Christy’s name can be sent to the Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40504 (www.adoptlove.net).
———-
THE BRIDGE OF FAITH

There are bridges we cross in life
To get from here to there
We cross them as we hurry on
And hardly even care.

Draw and covered bridges
A graceful span or two
They are never destinations
We’re just traveling through.

The bridge of faith is different though
It stretches to our end
From here to God’s eternity
Without a curve or bend.

You cross it in a moment
And find yourself at home
Safe in the arms of Jesus
Never more to roam.

We named our girl Christy Ann
A Christian she would be
She crossed before we said goodbye
Her bridge to eternity.

She built her bridge with gracious deeds
She persevered in love
The final plank was laid in place
By God himself above.

And as we build our bridge of faith
So we may go there too
We call to her across the divide
“Remember, we loved you.”

  • Steve

    I am sorry for your loss.

  • Pete Enns

    Ben, I am so very sorry and sad t hear this news. May God’s strength surround you and your family.

  • Allan Bevere

    Ben,

    Carol and I grieve with you and Ann and your family. We remember Christy as a young girl when we came to your home in Ashland for dinner many years ago when I was a seminary student. Our prayer is that the God of all comfort will surround you in this time and that in the silence of your reflections our Lord Jesus will speak to you his words of resurrection and life.

  • http://www.facebook.com/kenny.johnson1 Kenny Johnson

    So young.. so sad. I’m so very sorry for your loss. :(

  • http://www.nearemmaus.com/ Brian LePort

    I’m sorry for your loss.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1330743046 Craig Bennett

    Thank you for sharing your pain with us. I am so sorry to hear this.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=729190612 Chris Short

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family brother.

  • Philip Tallon

    Ben – so sorry to hear about your loss. I can’t imagine how tough this is for you and your family. Prayers for you in this difficult time. -Phil Tallon.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=500384611 Michael C. Fitzpatrick

    Praying for you, Dr. Ben…

  • Daniel Hewitt

    My deepest condolences to you, my brother.

  • http://www.goodwordsandworks.com/ Keith Keyser

    Dear brother Witherington,

    We are praying for your family & you to know the tender mercies of the God of all comfort at this time.

    Love in Christ,
    The Keysers

  • http://www.patheos.com/community/exploringourmatrix/ James F. McGrath

    My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Ben.

  • http://preachersmith.com/ David Smith

    May our great God bring you and yours great comfort.

  • Charles

    Praying for you and your family.

  • Paula Sergent

    I am so sorry for you loss Dr. Witherington. May God Bless and keep you and your family.

  • Anonymous

    Dr. Witherington, your daughter was nine months older than our oldest daughter is. I cannot imagine your grief – and can only pray that you find solace in the promises we have from our God. Praying for your family.

  • http://thechurchofjesuschrist.us/ Joel

    Your family is in our prayers tonight

  • Donwoolley09

    May God grant his peace and his strength. Our prayers are with you all.

  • Rodney

    We are so sorry, Ben. “Lord, please heal our brother’s broken heart.”

  • http://www.facebook.com/EarBucket David Coulter

    I’m so sorry. Peace to you in this.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=731689384 Bob Brault

    Dr. Witherington, My heart is heavy for your loss. Please accept my sympathies for the loss of your daughter. She was a colleague, and a friend; I will sorely miss her.

    Bob Brault, IBM

    The Lord is near to those who are broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

  • http://twitter.com/karludy Karl Udy

    So sorry to hear about your loss. May the Lord give you strength as you come to terms with your grief

  • http://citygatestheology.org Samuel Irlapati

    Sorry for your loss.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=657000324 Linda C Davis

    So sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and hope that the knowledge of our sincere sympathy will somehow divide the load of sorrow you carry.
    Linda Carruth (Hager) Davis
    Homerville, Ga.

  • Ed Beedle

    Dr. Ben, I am so sorry to hear of your daughter’s passing. May the God of all peace bring comfort to you and your family.

  • The Greathouse Family

    Our deepest condolences for your loss. May you find peace and grace to sustain your mourning, and may her memory be eternal.

  • Kjmacari

    Ben
    Christy was a year older than our daughter Sarah. We pray that you and your family will be strengthened by the hope of Christ’s Resurrection.

    Ken and Linda Macari

  • Muchmore

    Mr & Mrs Witherington,
    It was a pleasure working with Christy at IBM. I was fortunate to have been involved with alot of her upfront training and onboarding to our team. I am glad our paths crossed. I’m sorry for her pain(physically) and for your family’s loss.
    I am so encouraged to read the “Bridge of Faith” above. In life and in death, Jesus holds our hand. When we cross the bridge on the other side is the imperishable. Our ever lasting Father.
    God Bless you.
    Your brother in Christ,
    Don Muchmore, muchmore@us.ibm.com

  • Steve

    Prayers and condolences. So sorry for your loss

  • Sstadler

    We are so grieved with you and love all of you dearly. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are so sorry.

    We have many fond memories of our girls playing together at conference.

    Love and prayers,
    Lenny, Shana, Shalen Morell and LenPaul Stadler

  • shaun morton

    Praying for you and with you and your family.

  • Charles Smith

    I have no words that can help. All I know is I will miss her dearly.

  • Friedman family

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Dr. Witherington. We have been praying for you since yesterday. Peace and grace to you in this season of mourning.

  • Scot and Kris McKnight

    Ben, Kris and I are deeply sorry to hear and our prayers are with you in your grief.

  • Edward and Nako Kellum

    Dr. Witherington,
    We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers. May God’s love, comfort and peace be with you.

  • Daniel Teater

    I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, my heart just broke when I read this post. I will be praying for you and your family.

  • Ann F-R

    O, may the God of all consolation be with you in your heartache, Dr. Witherington, Christy Ann’s family & loved ones. We long with you for eternal reunion, in our God who unites us. Some days will seem so long, but we are surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses. Grace and peace be with you.

  • Mark Abbott

    Ben, it was great to see you, though ever so briefly this summer in chapel at ATS. I feel for you and your family and hold you in my prayers. May Jesus seem very close right now. Mark Abbott

  • Les Hutchinson

    Shalom

  • http://www.facebook.com/donbryant1 Don Bryant

    My deepest Christian sympathy to you and your family upon the loss of your daugther.

  • Ellen Martin

    OH Ben. I am so sorry for your loss! Praying for you and yours as you build your bridge of faith through this great grief.

  • Rick Danielson

    Oh no – Ben – I am SO very sorry to hear this devastating news. No gift in life is more precious than a daughter. I can’t imagine the grief that you and Ann are experiencing. I am praying now for you and your family and will continue to do so in the days ahead. Love and prayers – Rick

  • Nathan

    Praying for you and your family Dr. Witherington.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_PG3IN4INJGUCO75PPBG2Y7GWHQ Mikael

    We are deeply sorry to hear this and are praying for you, family and friends.

  • Michelle

    I am so sorry to learn of this, we are praying for you

  • Benw333

    Thanks Rick, that means a lot, and to you all.

    Ben

  • John C. Gardner

    Ben,
    I have prayed about this sad occurrence this morning. She is now in God’s hands. My wife and I will make a contribution as was requested.
    In Christ,
    John C. Gardner

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=704103066 Luis Jovel

    My deepest and sincere condolences.

  • Troy Singleton

    May God’s Spirit of life in Christ Jesus build up your bridge for believing and His grace be your “now” in know. In Him, at home, at peace. The One who holds the keys and the stars, holds you, too. All the way. REV 1.17-18

  • Timdalrymple

    Very, very sorry to hear this, Ben. Deepest condolences.

  • Anonymous

    Prof. Witherington,

    The prayers of my wife and I go out on your behalf. We are so terribly sorry to hear of your loss.

    Charles & Cherith Meeks

  • Rachel Koopmans

    Dear Dr Ben and family,
    My condolences and my prayers as you grieve the death of your daughter. I’m so sorry for your loss!
    Grace and peace,
    Rachel (Tabor Adelaide)

  • Craig Beard

    My condolences, Ben.

  • Randyhardman

    Dr. Witherington,

    Our family’s prayers have gone out on behalf on you and your family the past couple days. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

    Randy Hardman

  • Rick Cooke

    So sorry to hear this Doc Ben! Love and condolences to you, your wife and your family. Prayers for you and all in your circle affected by this loss.

  • Anonymous

    My sincerest condolences to you and your family during this time of loss.

  • Harold Attridge

    May your daughter rest in peace. We’ll keep you and all your family in our prayers.

  • Rev Bob Simmons

    Dr. Ben, I am an Ashland grad just a few years before you taught there. Please know that my heart is heavy for you and your family. Thank God for the victory of Christ over death! You are in my prayers. May the hope of the resurrection fill your heart.

  • http://www.peaceforthejourney.com/ elaine @ peace for the journey

    Prayers for peace and comfort in this time of tremendous grief and suffering…

    Elaine Killian Olsen

  • David Young

    My death brother and sister in Christ, Ben and Anne Witherington,
    Our most heartfelt and deepest condolences and prayers for all of your family at this time of deep loss and grief. May you all know and feel the supporting arms and buttress of our hope and life in Christ – a hope and the life that you have so helped us all with in your writings – as you walk this bridge of memory and grief.
    David and MaryLynn Young

  • http://sheridanvoysey.com Sheridan Voysey

    I’m so sorry to hear this Ben. I join with others in offering heartfelt condolences and prayers for you and your family. Until that special Day when you are reunited…

  • Dana Ames

    So sorry for your loss, Dr. W. May your daughter be established in God’s memory forever, and may he grant your family great consolation.

    Give rest with the just, O our Savior, unto thy servant, and establish her in Thy courts, as it is written.

    Dana Ames

  • Dgibbs18

    Ben, I extend my symphathies and pray for God’s consolation and peace on you and your family.

  • Aemeece

    Dr. Ben, I am so sorry to hear of Christy’s passing. There are no words . . . I send prayers and love to you and your family during this time. I remember you telling us the story of Christy’s birth in class last spring. Rest assured she knows how much you all loved her.

    ~ Ann Meece

  • DavidSulcer

    Ben, you give so much inspiration to our hearts that to hear of the pain of your own child’s passing is truly a loss of our own. I am so glad that the strong arm of faith holds us during these times. To know that Christy has walked across the bridge we all hope to follow into the arms of Christ is a comforting truth.

    Our prayers are with you and yours during this season of grief and loss. It is SO good to know that we truly serve the “God of the Living.”

  • Denis SCHULTZ

    Dear BW3,
    Even if we never met (so far… a french proverb says only mountains never meet) I feel somehow, through the reading of your posts and your sharing of slices of life with us, a bit part of the family. What you thus share day by day enriches us and helps us deepen our faith. So as you are struck by one do the hugest tempests of life I want to express my profound sympathy from another point of the bridge, on the other side of the ocean.
    May God grant you to find in him strength peace and hope which transcends all understanding so that your hearts and your minds be kept in Christ Jesus.
    Denis

  • Todd D. Still

    Ben and Ann,

    I am deeply saddened by your loss. I pray that you will by God’s good grace experience peace and hope in the midst of your grief. I will miss the visitation on Tuesday; I am laying plans to attend the remembrance service on Wednesday.

    Yours in Christ,
    Todd Still

  • Melvin and Anita McIntosh

    Ben, I taught the Fellowship Class at Myers Park UMC, this morning, and learned about the death of Christy Ann. Anita and I are so very sorry for your loss, and will certainly remember you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during these days. Adults Plus will be meeting at MPUMC, during the time of the service of remembrance, on Wednesday, and we will remember your family, including your mom, at that time, as well.

    Melvin and Anita McIntosh

  • Ivankarel

    Dr Ben.
    May the Holly Spirit strengthen your family and your ministry.

  • Ben DeVan

    May God’s spirit be with you and your family, Dr. Ben. Lovely poem in memory of Christy Ann.

  • Carol Harris

    Dear Ann and Ben, Emily and David, Joyce and Laura,
    Thank you for comforting all of us with ‘The Bridge of Faith’. My deepest sympathy and heartful prayers are with you today and always. Blessings, Carol

  • Mary Ellen Polson

    Jim and I send our deepest sympathies for your loss. Christy Ann will live in your hearts forever.

  • Benw333

    Thanks to one and all. Nice to hear from you Mary Ellen.

  • Rita Winsor

    To Christy’s family and friends, I feel a void, an emptiness with a firm belief that we have added a beautiful angel to watch over us. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rita

  • James Neeley Sr

    We friends of Christy in Durham share your lose. Christy was a very close friend of my son James who turn it was to check on her when he found her. She was a wonderful friend to him and his friends. My son James plans to attend services and we are caring for her pets until things get sorted out.

    My daughter Melissa has been feeding the dogs and cats and will do so until we hear otherwise. We may be reached at 919 968 6882 for pet issues. The cats are indoor only, and the 2 big dogs have some access to the fenced in back yard while someone is there.

    I share your sorrow
    James Neeley Sr,

  • Benw333

    Thank you Mr. Neeley. We are so grateful for Christy’s friends at this time, as this is the most difficult thing imaginable. Ben W.

  • Ferrell Jenkins

    Ben, I regret deeply that you and your family must endure this loss. Ferrell Jenkins

  • http://twitter.com/emeoliv Emerson de Oliveira

    I love your books, mr. Whiterington. May God be with you.