WCHS sophomore passes away Saturday at her home

Funeral arrangements have been set for Wednesday afternoon for a Whitley County High School student, who died Saturday.

WCHS sophomore Bethany Faith Lawson died at her home Saturday.

Bethany Faith Lawson, 16, of Limestone Branch, Williamsburg, died at her home. She was to be a sophomore at Whitley County High School this fall.

Lawson was described as someone who was very passionate about rescue animals and very artistic in addition to enjoying spending time with family and friends.

She was a member of the Whitley County Players, which is the Whitley County High School Drama Program.

“Our drama family has lost a beautiful soul. Please pray for her family during this devastating time. We will miss Bethany more than words can express. It’s hard to describe in words what our hearts and minds feel during these times,” Whitley County High School Drama instructor David Sweet posted on the Whitley County High School Drama Facebook page Sunday morning.

Sweet, who had Lawson in freshman drama class last year, described her during an interview Monday afternoon as “just kind of a quiet kid.”

“She loved her horses. She loved doing modeling. She was a great kid to be around,” Sweet noted. “It has really taken a lot of us by surprise. It has really been a big surprise. It is one of those things that you didn’t see it coming.”

He added that Lawson’s death shocked a lot of the upper level students, who helped him with the freshman drama class and knew her.

“As far as the kids I dealt with in class, they loved her,” Sweet said.

Whitley County Superintendent John Siler sent out a notice to all staff Sunday afternoon announcing Lawson’s death.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I write to you today with devastating news. Last night we lost one of our students. I ask that the District remember this family and our students during this time of need. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and support them as only the Whitley County Family can. God Bless,” Siler wrote.

Lawson is survived by her parents, Anthony and Melissa Lawson, and her brother, Jordan Lawson, all of Siler.

Whitley County High School cancelled all athletic events, including practice, on Tuesday so that students could attend the visitation.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends Kenneth Rickett, Chris Sasko and Todd Lawson officiating.

A balloon release in memory of Lawson will take place near the Whitley County High School Library at 3 p.m. Thursday.

A memory book will be available for those wishing to write their favorite memories or sign their name.