Photo courtesy of Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Mar 5, 1990 – Oct 14, 2024
Dr. Alyssa Dawn Lokits, Ph.D., age 34, of Nashville, TN was taken from this world on Monday, October 14.
Alyssa was a graduate of University of Kansas with an undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a doctoral degree in Neuroscience.
Affectionately known to her family as “Lu”, Alyssa was the best of us. Volumes could not adequately describe the woman she was. She deeply loved her family and friends. Always poised, graceful, and beautiful, she was everyone’s champion. An avid traveler, she spoke several languages, and loved to take on new challenges ranging from home renovation, to art, and any topic she set her mind to. In short, she was someone with limitless capability and potential. Alyssa never missed an opportunity to celebrate someone else’s accomplishments. She was a light and inspiration. We are all less without her, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Alyssa is survived by her parents, Dr. Kirk and Christine Lokits; her siblings, Jeremy (Debbie) Lokits, Brandon (Katie) Lokits, Cody (Kayla) Lokits, Sean (Abby) Lokits, Rebekah (Kris) Kawalski, Jesse (Rachel) Lokits, Miriam (Hunter) Deforge, and Kenton Lokits; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and innumerable friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Springhouse Worship Center located at 1419 Old Nashville Hwy, Smyrna, TN 37167 at 10:00am CST. Visitation will be held from 9:00am to 10:00am prior to the Service.
Expressions of Sympathy may be made to:
The Mary Parrish Center at maryparrish.kindful.com.
Alyssa was an advocate and former Board Member of the Mary Parrish Center. The Mary Parrish Center provides comprehensive services to survivors of interpersonal and domestic violence.
An online guestbook is available for the Lokits family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.
Read MoreI never knew you, but I am so sorry this happened to you. You deserved so much better, Dr. Lokits. May justice be done.
Tara Mann
February 19, 2025 | Reston, VA | Acquaintance
I never met Alyssa, but reading this just now for the first time has really shaken me to the core.
I am very sorry to all her family and the people who loved her and knew her. Hard to comprehend it all, when it sounds like she was one incredible person here on earth! My prayers go out to all of you. She must be in Heaven with a Crown on her head. She must have helped so many I am truly sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences
Lura Gann
December 20, 2024 | San Luis Obispo, CA
I just saw this woman's story on Instagram. If I wasn't already taken back by her beauty and thirst for life, I see we have the exact same birthday....March 5th. Wow, I pray that the peace of the Lord that surpasses all worldly understanding will be with her family and loved ones this holiday season. God bless you all.
Jasmine Johnson
December 20, 2024 | Dallas, TX
Alyssa was my lab mate and one of my dearest friends during graduate school. She was intelligent and witty. So sweet and kind towards others, yet she herself was tough and could handle anything. I have many fond memories involving food, coffee, dancing and high-fives. But the strongest memories I have are how she made me feel. Joyful, energetic, empowered, and confident. I am absolutely devastated by this tragedy. Alyssa made such a positive impact on my life, and I am a better person because...
Amanda Duran
November 18, 2024 | Seattle, WA | Friend
I am deeply saddened by Alyssa's passing. She and I were lab mates during graduate school at Vandy. She was smart, kind, compassionate, and always cheerful. Her tragic passing is devastating. My deepest condolences to her loved ones. She will be greatly missed.
Bian Li
November 08, 2024 | Allendale, NJ | Coworker
Alyssa's story reached me in Nova Scotia, Canada. I will be running on November 4th in her memory. Sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones.
Mallory Wilson
November 02, 2024 | Upper Hammonds Plaines, NS
My deepest condolences to Alyssa's family and close friends. I knew Alyssa when she was at Vanderbilt - my lab is across the hall from Alyssa's co-mentor. Alyssa was a bright and vibrant soul that will be missed. This tragedy was devastating to all who knew her.
Tina Iverson
October 23, 2024 | Nashville, TN | Teacher
I saw Alyssa's story on CBC Canada news online just now. Looking at her photo, I was struck by her resemblance to my own daughter, an amazing 38 year old avid cyclist, traveller and best friend to many. I cannot imagine the grief and sorrow you all are experiencing at this time.Even though I never met or knew Alyssa, I felt compelled to reach out and express my DEEPEST sympathy to your family.
Heather Berger
October 23, 2024 | White Rock, BC
Prayers to Alyssa's parents, friends and loved ones. May God be the lifter of your head and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Katherine
October 22, 2024 | Antioch, TN