Evelyn Christy Bagwell Ryland

Evelyn Christy Bagwell Ryland of Tuscaloosa, formerly of Jasper, AL, entered into the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 20, 2025, at home with her family by her side. Freeman Hood Funeral Service has been entrusted with her care.

Christy, or “Sissy” as she was affectionately called by many was born and raised in Jasper, AL. Christy was known for her love of singing and painting. During her time in Jasper, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Ryland Jr. Together they raised 3 children. Christy served for many years at New Canaan Baptist Church as a GA Leader and later Acteens Leader. She used her talents by building and painting props for church plays and Vacation Bible School. She was loved and admired by many. She later moved to Tuscaloosa with her family and pursued a degree in Computer Informational Technology. She went on to complete 25 years of employment with the Alabama Fire College, where she worked in IT and later as a Registration Specialist. She spent the first part of her retirement years working on quilts with her husband. She fought the good fight, and she finished the race with Jesus by her side. She wanted everyone to know the unconditional love of Jesus.

Mrs. Ryland was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Kenneth Ryland Jr., parents Christine Downs and Bobby Bagwell, her twin sister Elenor Bagwell, brother Robert Bagwell, in-laws, Kenneth Ryland Sr, Betty Ryland and nephew Matthew Ryland. Mrs. Ryland is survived by daughters Kandy Ryland Wesson of Tuscaloosa and Jamie Ryland Sims (Jason) of Tuscaloosa; son Christopher Paul Ryland (Reese) of Tuscaloosa; grandchildren Connor Wesson, Steven Ryland, Brady Wesson, Carson Ryland, Kelsey Cotton (Dontavious) and Cadence Howell; great-grandchildren Ameliah Cotton and Noah Howell; sisters Sandra Wright (Jimmy), Janet Niekamp (Don), Susan Wesson (James); brothers Stanley Downs (Dot), Jackie Downs (Betty), and Ray Bagwell (Pam), a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Ryland, Jason Sims, Steven Ryland, Brady Wesson, James Wesson, and Carson Ryland.

Honorary Pallbearers are Hospice of West Alabama, her Nurse Gwen, her Nurse Assistant Ollie, Dr. Ross Vaughn, UAB GI Clinic, and her best friend, Melony Carroll (Richard).

Services: Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Sam Hood Memorial Chapel at Freeman Hood Funeral Services in Jasper, AL. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Boldo Memory Gardens. Bro. Albert Lyles will officiate. Mom loved pretty things, and would be honored for everyone to wear pretty colors to the service.