Dr. Crystal Abernathy's Obituary
Dr. Crystal Abernathy (née McLaughlin), 58, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away peacefully, comforted by family, at her home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Her ferocious vigor and quick wit will long be remembered.
Crystal was a graduate of North Mecklenburg High School, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in English and a BA in psychology. She attended Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and received her doctrine at the Toronto School of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Canada.
After two years in the Department of Medical Science at the Great Smokies Laboratory, she opened her own Naturopathic Medicine practice, which would be her life's work. Throughout her 20+ years of practice she helped an abundance of patients and saved countless lives. She enjoyed spending time with her son and family at their mountain home in Boone, NC. Crystal loved kayaking with her son on Mountain Island Lake, taking long hikes in the woods with her dog Oskar, and foraging for wild mushrooms with her sister. She loved to cook with her son and was a lover of fine dining. Crystal was an artistic soul; she loved live music, poetry, comedy, and theatre. She loved to create as well; painting, crocheting, tie dyeing, and just recently had picked up gem faceting.
Crystal is survived by her son, Sean Abernathy, her mother, Lucille McLaughlin, her sister, Beverly McLaughlin (Weldon Weaver), her niece, Eve Guiney (John Saavedra), her nephews, Gavin and Evan Guiney. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Dale McLaughlin. Her light and love will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Crystal's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." - Irish Proverb
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Crystal?
What’s a lesson you learned from Crystal?
Share a story where Crystal's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Crystal you’ll never forget.
How did Crystal make you smile?