Kristian Nicole Atchley, 36, of Nashville, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away on April 26th at 4:23 AM.
There are many sayings about the importance of speaking well of the dead which no one will ever have to be reminded of on Kristian’s account. Loved by all for her kind, patient, and quiet demeanor, no one held themselves to a higher standard, nor was as gracious when it came to overlooking the flaws and shortcomings of others. Attempting to avoid all the clichés about smiles that could light up rooms, a contagious laugh, and model beauty, we will focus on remembering Kristian for her other plentiful and more notable qualities… But make no mistake, she could take first prize in any of these categories.
Kristian was born on November 15, 1987, in Clarksville, TN, to John Gingrich and Norma Chester Maxwell.
By all accounts, a perfect child, and always looking to care for others, she worked hard in everything she did including her pursuit of her nursing degree from Belmont University in Nashville. Shortly after she finished her studies, through his greatest stroke of luck, Joe Atchley beat out the competition and took her on their first date in December of 2010. The two quickly became inseparable to the delight of everyone who knew them, and in 2013, they married. They welcomed their first son Eli in 2015, their daughter Carys in 2017, and finally, their son Julian in 2019.
The worst trials began for this beautiful growing family in 2020. Kristian was diagnosed with breast cancer. Never wanting to be a burden or the center of attention, Kristian quietly began undergoing treatments. Through the worst of it, Kristian never complained. On the contrary, she tried to make light for the small circle of family and friends who knew of her struggles. She had a great sense of humor and gave the best nicknames! Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when Kristian went into remission later that year.
In January of 2024, the devastating news of a resurgence of the cancer and a terminal diagnosis were given. Kristian fought hard for any extra time with her family; Joe and her mom, Norma, alternated every precious moment by her bedside. On April 26th at 4:23 AM, with Joe, their oldest son Eli, her mom Norma, her dad John, her sister Deidra, her brother Logan, and a few other close family and friends, Kristian departed this world.
It’s been a running joke and theme that no one ever felt they got enough time with shy, sweet Kristian. Losing her so tragically and at such a young age adds something to those old quips that can’t be put into words. Kristian will be remembered for so many things, but some that stand out are her devotedness as a wife and mother- she never needed or looked for anything outside of her family; her distinct rich voice- I can hear her shyly telling me, “stop” as I type; and her amazing ability to pick out great gifts – another manifestation of her thoughtfulness and kindness.
Kristian leaves behind her husband Joseph Atchley, and their three young children: Elijah, Carys, and Julian; her mother Norma Chester Maxwell and stepfather Sammy Maxwell; her father John Gingrich, and stepmom Phyllis Gingrich; her sister Deidra Gingrich and brother Logan Fox; her stepsister Ashley Simon and stepbrothers Matthew Simon and John Maxwell; her father and mother-in-law Richard and Patricia Atchley; 26 nieces and nephews; and a host of in-laws and friends.
Services will be held at St Mary’s of the Seven Sorrows in Downtown Nashville. 328 Rep. John Lewis Way N Nashville, TN 37219 Visitation on Thursday 5/2/24 5-7 P.M. Funeral on Friday 5/3/24 1:30 P.M. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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