CW2 (Ret) Carya Bethea, age 39, of Smiths Station, AL passed away surrounded by her family on August 7, 2020. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 10:00 am until 10:50 am at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus. A Celebration of Carya’s life will follow at 11:00 am. Inurnment will be at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
Carya was born on January 16th, 1981 in Wichita Falls, TX to Darren Ray Fisher Sr. and Zalema Fisher (Thurman). She graduated Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2008. Carya was a force to be reckoned with in her military career, having attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the short span of 10 years. She believed in the success of others so much she became a professor while deployed in Egypt.
Carya was born and raised in the Christ Gospel Church. She was a free spirited individual who lived life to the utmost. She greeted everyone with love, hugs, and smiles and was known to be the best host and life of the party. Her heart resided within her family. She encouraged loved ones to reach their fullest potential. Her life embodied unconditional generosity.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Elogene and Robert Thurman, and her paternal grandfather, Earnest Fisher.
Carya is survived by her grandmother, Deloris Fisher; her parents, Zalema and Darren Ray Fisher Sr.; her daughters, Chaiane Strickland (Lee) and Tyjeyonna Deberry; her two twin grandchildren, Makai and Mckenna Strickland; brother, Darren Ray Fisher Jr.; sisters, Cherrele Green, Rolena Brown, and Raylynn Fisher; her special cousin, Shackitha Johnson; four nephews; two nieces; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins; and a special friend, Donald Walton.
