Longtime Nashville Nurse Practitioner Lori Lynn Rushing Dies at 66

Rushing dedicated over 30 years of compassionate care at St. Thomas Orthopedics before passing away at St. Thomas Hospital.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Lori Lynn Rushing, a 66-year-old nurse practitioner from Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on February 1, 2026 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Rushing had a 30-year career providing compassionate care at St. Thomas Orthopedics and was named Tennessean Nurse of the Year in 2014. She was a beloved member of the community known for her kindness, generosity, and infectious smile.

Why it matters

Rushing's passing is mourned by the Nashville community, where she was a fixture at St. Thomas Orthopedics for over three decades. Her dedication to patient care and her warm personality made her a beloved figure, and her death is a loss for the city's medical community.

The details

Rushing was born on January 2, 1960 in Murray, Kentucky to Hugh Thomas Rushing and Lita Faye Tucker Rushing. In addition to her nursing degree, she also held degrees in marketing and radio/TV. Rushing was a member of the Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray. She was known for her love of the Murray High Tigers, Murray State Racers, walking her dog Maggie Lynn at Percy Warner Park, traveling, and spending time with friends.

  • Lori Lynn Rushing passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

The players

Lori Lynn Rushing

A 66-year-old nurse practitioner from Nashville, Tennessee who dedicated over 30 years of compassionate care at St. Thomas Orthopedics before passing away.

Hugh Thomas Rushing

Lori Lynn Rushing's late father.

Lita Faye Tucker Rushing

Lori Lynn Rushing's late mother.

Maggie Lynn

Lori Lynn Rushing's beloved dog.

LeeAnn 'Wege' Crigler

Lori Lynn Rushing's sister.

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What’s next

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Murray, Kentucky.

The takeaway

Lori Lynn Rushing's passing is a profound loss for the Nashville community, where she was known for her decades of compassionate care, kindness, and dedication as a nurse practitioner at St. Thomas Orthopedics. Her warm personality and infectious smile touched the lives of countless patients, and she will be deeply missed.