Carson-Newman mourns passing of head cheer and dance coach Christy Bowlin

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head cheer and dance coach Christy Yonz Bowlin passed into eternal rest on July 15, 2021, after a courageous three-and-a-half year battle with breast cancer.

Her friends and family rejoice in her passing on the promise that one day they will reunite in heaven by the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

"In 1945, the first spirit stick was created at NCA. One cheerleading squad was not performing up to standards and stood out," Carson-Newman Vice President for Athletics Matt Pope said. "Since they were lagging, they came early and stayed late for practices. Their spirit and enthusiasm soon spread in the camp. The director of NCA was so impressed by their undying spirit and energy that he wanted to reward them with a token which represented the spirit that every cheerleader must have. He then cut a small branch of a tree; painted and decorated it; and awarded it to the team. Hence, began the tradition of awarding spirit sticks at camps.

"There are two spirit sticks in Christy's office.  I believe they not only represent both of her squads, cheer and dance, but also Christy's spirit and energy. Claudia and I met Christy and (her daughter) Emma on my first day at C-N and we will not forget that memory. She fought hard and courageously against her illness; all the while continuing her passion for coaching our cheer and dance teams. Her love for every student under her charge and her care for Carson-Newman University was immense. 

"Christy's legacy is that she was a strong leader and visionary whose ministry was Christlikeness in her daily walk and service.  Christy will be dearly missed but we rejoice that she is now with our Savior. We are also encouraged to know that in the blink of her eye, we will be together again. Christy kept a little sign in her office that says "Good morning, this is God.  I will be handling all your problems today."  That certainly matches Christy's personality and direction for her life.  Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to the Bowlin and Yonz families in this time of sorrow."

Christy was born in Atlanta, Ga. She spent much of her life in Greeneville, Tenn. until she moved to Dandridge, Tenn. in 2007.

She is a 1991 graduate of Greeneville High School and a 1994 graduate of East Tennessee State University. A member of First Baptist Church of Dandridge, and formerly Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Greeneville and Asbury United Methodist Church of Greeneville. She was Carson-Newman's Cheer and Dance coach since 2007.

Formerly she owned and operated "Christy's Cheer and Dance Company" in Greeneville, Tenn. She is a proud "Army Wife" having served at the side of her husband Brad since their marriage in 1995.

Christy's passion was influencing others through Cheer and Dance. Her goal was to inspire, empower, and love all of her athletes. The hundreds of former students and families that still reach out to talk to "Coach" evidence her labor. 

Christy is preceded in death by her grandparents Frank and Mary Emma Henley, Lee Yonz, and her father-in-law Elder Johnny Bowlin.

She is survived by her husband Brad, daughter Emma (18), parents Buddy and Becky Yonz, brother Andy Yonz, mother-in-law Brenda Bowlin, sister-in-law Kim Bowlin, brother-in-law Matthew Bowlin and wife Amanda and three special nieces, Tiffany, Madi, and Natalie Grace.

The family will receive visitors at First Baptist Church of Dandridge between 5-7 p.m. on Sunday July 18, 2021.

Services will be Monday, July 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., also at First Baptist Church of Dandridge. Reverend Dr. Justin Terrell will officiate. Interment will follow at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2220 E. Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN at 3:30 p.m. Chaplain (LTC) Mark Phillips will officiate.

The family extends their most heartfelt appreciation for the many friends, family, and health care providers who enabled Christy's courageous fight.

The family is especially grateful for "Christy's Angels", Amanda, Angie, Kim, Lisa, and Nicki who lovingly attended to her in her final hours.

Mail memorials to "Christy Yonz Bowlin Memorial Fund" at Andrew Johnson Bank, P.O. Box 907, Greeneville, Tenn. 37744, c/o Doug Debusk. At Christy's request, all memorials are dedicated to future scholarships for Carson Newman Cheer and Dance students.