It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rachel Lauren Gatewood-Griffin, age 22, of Shelbyville, TN, on September 29, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Pastor Joel Capizzi, Pastor Lon Ostrzycki, and Pastor Phillip Eady officiating. Burial will follow at Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM to 8 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home.
Rachel was born on April 28, 2002, in Huntsville, AL. She graduated from Lincoln County High School in 2020 and continued her education at Motlow State Community College, the University of North Alabama, and Calhoun Community College. In April 2024, she proudly earned her LPN degree from TCAT Pulaski and began her career as an emergency room nurse at Huntsville Hospital, where she was deeply committed to her patients and her calling.
A lifelong member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Rachel cherished her faith and served the Lord throughout her life. Rachel was loving and caring and would do anything for those she loved. On June 21, 2024, she married the love of her life, Gregory Griffin, and together they became members of Crossway Church in Lynchburg, TN.
Rachel had a zest for life, enjoying outdoor adventures like riding 4-wheelers, hiking, and hunting with Gregory, as well as working together to clear trails on their land. Her vibrant spirit and passion for living life to the fullest will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Gregory Griffin; her parents, Terry and Jackie Gatewood; her brother, Graham Gatewood; her maternal grandmother, Judy Burton; and her in-laws, Bobby and Krista Griffin, as well as maternal-in-law grandparents, Steve and Darlene Barnes. Rachel’s family also includes her beloved fur babies, Fluffy, Grug, and Nola, and her childhood dogs, Chico, Woo, and Scruffy, along with numerous extended family members, dear friends, and cherished coworkers. Rachel was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Jack Burton; paternal grandparents, Clem and Beverly Gatewood; maternal-in-law grandmother, Tina Barnes; and paternal-in-law grandparents, Billy Paul Bates and Peggy Bates.
Memorials may be made to the Fayetteville Lincoln County Animal Control, 1718 Pulaski Hwy., Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rachel Lauren Gatewood-Griffin.
