Bethany Lewallen

Bethany Annice Lewallen, age 19, of Odessa, passed into the arms of Jesus on Monday morning, October 12, 2015, after a long struggle with MELAS.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

A Celebration Service of her life and personal ministry will be held at 4pm, Thursday, October 15, 2015, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Odessa.

Bethany was born in Odessa, TX on November 25, 1995, to James and Michelle Lewallen. She attended school at Barbara Jordan Elementary, Burnet Elementary, Bonham Junior High, and was a 2014 graduate of Permian High School. While in school she was a member of the robotics team and the band at Bonham and Permian, as well as the National Junior Honor Society. She loved Shakespeare and acting, and was involved in numerous productions at both the Globe Theatre and the Permian Playhouse. She was also actively involved with the youth choir and Bible drill team at First Baptist Church, Odessa. Bethany also served as the 2010 spokesperson for the Permian Basin Rehab Center, and her story resonated across the region

Bethany surrendered to the ministry of Jesus Christ in January, 2010, at FBC Odessa. Soon after, her mitochondrial disorder began to accelerate, taking away her ability to walk, talk, eat and swallow normally. However, the one thing she constantly had was her precious, infectious smile, which touched the hearts of everyone she met, and radiated the love of her savior Jesus Christ, whom she longed to share with everyone she met.

Bethany is survived by her sister, Brianna Lewallen and her parents, James & Michelle Lewallen, all of Odessa; her grandparents, Gary & Linda Page (Odessa), David & Cheryl Lewallen (Odessa), Jim & Trisha Henderson (Lampasas), Emily and Steve Hudkins (Llano); Great-
Grandparents Curtis & Kathryn Lewallen (Odessa), Aunt Christina & Curtis Matheny (Round Rock) , Uncle Brian and Renee Henderson (Leander), "Aunt" Staci and Cousins Cody and Brandon McCracken (Odessa), Aunt Sydney and Brandon Lyle (Odessa), Uncle Zac & Krissy Enriquez (Odessa), as well as numerous cousins, family and precious friends who loved and adored her.

Memorials may be given to the United Mitochondrial Research Foundation (UMDF.org), Cook Children's Hospital of Fort Worth, Camp Barnabas (campbarnabas.org), or First Baptist Church, Odessa.

The family wishes to extend sincerest thanks to Troy Meinkowsky, Richard White, Kary Bailey, Nicole Adams, James Ramage and so many others who selflessly organized special events for Bethany's benefit and gave so much of themselves for her. We are also so grateful to our wonderful FBC Odessa church family and the amazing West Texas community for the outpouring of love and support throughout Bethany's journey.

Visitation

Sunset Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
6:00-8:00 PM

Service

First Baptist Church
709 N. Lee Ave
Odessa, TX  79761
Thursday, October 15, 2015
4:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

United Mitochondrial Research Foundation