Rachel Crisp

Rachel Caitlyn Crisp, age 36, of Hendersonville, NC died July 2, 2026 in Bar Harbor, Maine in a swimming accident. Rachel was born November 13, 1989 in Charleston, SC to parents Ann and William Crisp. She was a graduate of Hendersonville High School and Appalachian State University. 

Rachel found beauty and inspiration in all of God’s creation, and loved sharing that passion throughout her career as a naturalist and guide. She led tours in Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and most recently Acadia National Parks.  She was employed as a guide for Acadian Boat Tours in Bar Harbor Maine.  During the off season she nurtured her creative side, creating embroidery art focused on nature and dinosaurs for her business, Blue Sun Threads. 

Rachel was an outspoken advocate for social justice, environmental justice, and wildlife conservation. She will be remembered as a devoted daughter, loving partner, fiercely loyal friend, and cherished godmother. Rachel was a Life Scout in Girl Scouts of America- earning her bronze and silver awards. She was a member of the Hendersonville High School band with whom she had the honor of performing at the Kennedy Center and Boston Symphony Hall. 

In April of 2024 Rachel met the love of her life, John Howell. Together they traveled across America and Canada bonding through their shared love of exploration, wildlife, and National Parks. John and Rachel had the joy of adventures and making lasting friendships across the country.

Rachel is survived by her parents Ann Downs Crisp and William Ernest Crisp, her fiancé John Jacob Howell, aunts and uncle, beloved cousins William Downs (Haylee) and Anna Downs, and her cherished Goddaughters Bennett and Katherine Carpenter. She is also survived by her sisters-in-love Beth Anderson, Sarah Carpenter, Daphne Crowell, and Rachel Franceschini, and brothers-in-love Brian Pugliese and Cooper Brown. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Frances and Ernest Crisp, and William and Patricia Downs, whom she loved dearly. 

Thank you for the outpouring of love and support during our time of sorrow. Memorial gifts in Rachel’s honor may be made to Interfaith Assistance Ministry or The Storehouse. 

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at St. James Episcopal Church, 766 North Main St., Hendersonville, NC.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com