Megan Twist, a bright and beloved young woman, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2016, in Jacksonville, Florida, following a tragic car accident. Born in Atlanta, Megan was raised in Athens, Georgia, by her loving parents, Roy Twist III and Barbara Twist (Bernotas). Known for her infectious smile, laughter, and unwavering kindness, Megan’s life was a beacon of happiness to everyone she met.
Megan Twist Obituary
An honors graduate of Prince Avenue Christian School and a member of the National Honor Society, Megan excelled academically, making the Dean’s List multiple times at Georgia Southern University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Public Relations. Her family fondly remembers her as someone who brought light to every room, often lifting others with a kind word, a joke, or simply her presence. Her friends recall her as a free spirit, a beautiful soul, and a fiercely loyal friend.
Megan’s life was cut short, but her selfless decision to register as an organ donor allowed her legacy of love and generosity to live on. Just four months before her passing, Megan made the commitment to help others through organ donation, a choice that ultimately saved the lives of five individuals. Among them was Jacksonville resident Richard Bremer, who received both of Megan’s lungs. In a touching tribute, Richard, a lifelong Florida Gators fan, switched his loyalty to the Georgia Bulldogs, Megan’s favourite team, to honour the life-saving gift he received from her.
Megan’s older sister, Carolyn Hostetler, shared that her family’s grief was tempered by the knowledge that Megan’s life continued in others. Inspired by Megan’s choice, Carolyn moved to Tampa Bay and dedicated her career to organ donation advocacy through LifeLink of Florida, finding a renewed sense of purpose in helping others receive life-saving transplants.
Carolyn fondly recalls her first meeting with Richard after the transplant, when she and her family took turns listening to Megan’s lungs breathe inside him. “There are no words to describe it,” Carolyn said. “Knowing that her life meant something, saving his life, has just been incredible to witness.”
In addition to her parents, Megan is survived by her sisters, Jane Twist (Patrick) Hixson of Athens, Georgia; Katy Twist (Doug) Williams of Bluffton, South Carolina; and Carolyn Twist (Wes) Hostetler of Franklin, Tennessee; as well as her beloved nieces and nephews, grandparents Roy and Betty Jo Twist of Meade, Kansas, and her stepfather, Lenny Bernotas. Her extended family and countless friends will forever cherish her memory and celebrate her vibrant spirit.
A memorial service will be held at Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Bogart, Georgia, on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Reverend David Cooper and Reverend Jeff Appling. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Interment will follow at Oconee Hills Cemetery, a short distance from Sanford Stadium, where Megan’s spirit will be close to the Bulldogs team she loved.
Megan’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and resilience, and her legacy will continue through the lives she touched and saved. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who reached out with support and shared memories during this time of loss. Megan Twist may be gone, but her light continues to shine, a lasting reminder of the power of compassion and kindness.