Kayley Erin Tigges

Born on January 22, 2004, Kayley lived with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder. But she never allowed it to define her. Instead, she became a passionate advocate for the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation, serving as a dedicated chair for the Nashville Walk for Victory and volunteered in numerous other ways. Her spirit and strength made her a light in the lives of all who knew her.

From a young age, Kayley found joy in music, theater, and songwriting. Always full of song, she performed with numerous youth organizations and was deeply involved in the theater department while attending Cardinal Gibbons High School. Her creativity, warmth, and natural stage presence brought joy to every production she was part of.

Kayley’s zest for life was extraordinary. In her own words, she vowed, “I will do everything in my power to live the life I chose to live.” She truly lived up to that promise—most recently, fulfilling a dream of traveling across Europe, a trip she planned and funded entirely on her own.

At the time of her passing, Kayley was a junior at Belmont University, double majoring in Psychological Science and Songwriting. She was deeply engaged in campus life as an administrative assistant for Campus Security, a Bruin Recruiter, a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology and had just been selected as a Towering Traditions (TT) leader to help welcome new students. Her true passion, though, was songwriting. Kayley’s music and lyrics held a unique power—she was a gifted storyteller with the rare ability to find beauty in all things and to reach people’s hearts through song. Her performances at local Nashville venues showcased a voice and presence that were uniquely, unmistakably hers.

Kayley also dedicated herself to mental health advocacy. She served as a volunteer crisis counselor for both the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Crisis Text Line and was a mental health committee member for the Marfan Foundation. Her ability to connect with others with deep compassion and empathy was one of her most defining qualities.

Kayley is survived by her loving mother and father, Linda Tigges and David Dodson; her beloved brother, J. Isaac Tigges; aunts Kristin Haines, Denise Blalock and husband Mike Blalock, and Angie Markovetz and husband Don Markovetz; uncles Doug, Don and Dan Dodson; and cousins Robert Birkin and wife Barbara, Sean Birkin and wife Sarah, and Krissy Birkin.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Vergean and Joanne Birkin, and Dale and Marlene Dodson; as well as her uncle, Kevin Scott Birkin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, North Carolina.

Visitation will be held at the family home Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Kayley by attending, in person or virtually, the Marfan Foundation’s Walk for Victory, April 26, 2025 from 12:00-3:00 pm; Laurel Hills Park, 3808 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh or donating to the Carolinas Team LDS - Kicking for Kayley at the following link: Carolinas Team LDS - Kicking for Kayley

Kayley’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals at Duke University Hospital, UNC Hospitals, and Vanderbilt Medical Center, whose care enabled Kayley to live life on her terms. They are especially thankful for Dr. Edmund Campion at UNC, Dr. Robert Fitch at Duke, and Dr. Aaron Aday at Vanderbilt, along with their teams, for their compassion and dedication throughout Kayley’s journey.