Rachel Helen Silver
August 18, 1992 ~ July 2, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Rachel Helen Silver was born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1992 to Brenda and Jon Silver. Rachel’s older brother, Zack and younger sister, Sophia, completed her very special family. Tragically, Rachel’s life ended in a car accident on July 2, 2018. Rachel had a zest for life; she loved the outdoors, loved all animals and charmed everyone she met. She was a sweet and thoughtful girl- very intelligent- and a bit of a free spirit. Rachel was beautiful- inside and out- and being such a fun-loving person she was blessed with many friends.
After graduating from T.C. Roberson High School in 2011, Rachel attended Duke University, studying Evolutionary Anthropology. In the summer of 2014 Rachel traveled to India through the Duke Engage Program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and volunteered in a clinic for women in need. Rachel received her Bachelor of Science degree from Duke University in 2015 and went to work as a research assistant at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. While in Houston, Rachel rescued and adopted Maya, a mix breed dog. Rachel and Maya were equally devoted to each other. Rachel began medical school at Campbell University in August of 2017. She thoroughly enjoyed her first year of medical school- she embraced the academic challenges and made many meaningful friends.
Rachel is survived by her parents, Dr. Jon and Brenda Silver; siblings Sophia and Zack Silver; grandmother Joan Silver; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Charles Silver, Bennie Parks, and Helen Parks. Rachel’s absence will be felt forever; it is a painful loss for her family, who adored her, and whose hearts will forever ache. It is a loss to her many friends who will miss her infectious laugh, her constant care and concern, her contributions to her study group, and her fun-loving ways. Finally, it is a loss to the entire community of a promising life ended much too soon.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday July 9, 2018 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville beginning at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Campbell University, P.O. Box 125, Buies Creek, NC 27506 and designated for “The Rachel Helen Silver Memorial Scholarship”.
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Rachel was such a beautiful person inside and out. We are so sorry for your loss. Her kind, charming, thoughtful personality will be missed by so many who were touched by her friendship! She truly brightened up a room when she was in it! We are all so heart broken and are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart breaks for you, Brenda and Jon. I am thinking about you as well as Sophia and Zack and all others who loved Rachel. She was one of my brightest students I ever taught at CDS. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you love and strength for the coming days ahead.
My heart is aching for you, Brenda, Jon, Zach and Sophia. I remember a wonderful, happy, sweet, smart big sister to Sophia when I had Sophia in my class. Sending prayers and thoughts your way during this hard time for you and the entire community. Rachel will remain forever in many hearts.
Rachel touched so many lives with her kindness, her laugh and her beauty inside and out. We are so so sorry for your loss. She will always be in our hearts and her bright light will shine forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, The Richardson’s, Jeff, Andrea, Olivia, Garrett, Caroline and Jake.
Dear Silver Family,
I am so heartbroken for our beautiful Rachel and for your entire family. Rachel was one of my first and greatest friends at Duke. I was so lucky to live on her hall for two years, sharing lots of laughs and meals with one of the most joyful, thoughtful friends I will ever have. I will never forget the experience of attending her debutante–she lit up the room and was so much fun to celebrate. I will also cherish the memory of her visiting my home in New York around the holidays. We loved to listen to music together, dance, and dress up in costumes–she was so much fun and of course such a brilliant student. I am profoundly sorry for the tragedy you are experiencing. The entire Duke community mourns this enormous loss.
With Love,
Ali Cox
Our hearts are heavy as we send condolences to the Silver family. She was a beautiful person who left us far to soon. Rachel will be remembered as a positive role model for all our children.
With our deepest sympathy
Dear Brenda, Jon, Zach, and Sophia, please accept our deepest condolences at this time. Our hearts mourn your tragic loss, alongside yours. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and comfort you. With all of our love, Pam, Andy, Haley, and Summer Haynes
Dr. Silver, Brenda and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches with yours. My sincerest condolences to you and your entire family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Peace to you.
I can still see that beautiful, smiling, laughing little dancer. She was a wonderful best friend to my daughter Avery during their time together at Center Stage! My heart is breaking for Jon, Brenda, Zack and Sophia and all those she has touch with her spirted personality. Heaven has been granted an incredible angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Dr Silver and family–I do not have the words to express how sorry I am for your loss–My prayers are with you today and inthe days to come–May GOD grant you peace and comfort–My hearfelt condolences
Dear Dr. Silver and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words. As a mother of four, I am devastated for you. All I can do is pray for you, and your family continuously.
May God be with all of you. Sincerely, Theresa and David Rath
M heart breaks for her family. So so sad.
My sincere condolences to your entire family for the loss of your beautiful daughter. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Words cannot begin to express how very sorry we are for the loss of your beautiful and talented daughter. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family.
Debra , Ali and Barclay McGhee..
Dear Silver Family,
We are praying for you all!
Dear Silver Family,
We are deeply saddened for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time, our sincerest condolences.
The Tropepe Family
Dr Silver and family: I’m deeply saddened and shocked by the sudddn loss of your precious daughter, Rachel. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this most difficult time. With much love, Joyce Payne Griffee, RN
I had the joy of watching Rachel grow up through her years at Carolina Day, and my heart breaks for your dear family. Please know that you are and will continue to be surrounded by love, day by day.
Hearing this news breaks my heart, and I want to express my sorrow to all the Silver family for your loss. Rachel was my workout partner at Underdog, and she and I polevaulted together in high school, and I remember her as the nicest, most caring and beautiful individual, both inside and out. She will always be remembered as such, too. With the love and support of the Asheville community, I hope you all can find some comfort in these days ahead.
Dr. Silver and family,
Words cannot adequately express our sorrow for you on the sudden passing of your beautiful daughter, Rachel. The last time we were in Dr. Silver’s office, he delighted in telling us about Rachel following in his footsteps and studying to be a doctor. It is evident, Dr.Silver is so proud of his family and loves his wife and children. We pray for God’s peace and strength for your family in the days ahead. May the special memories of Rachel always live on in your thoughts and minds.
With much love,
Kim and Jeff Palmer
Dr. Silver and family, Susan and I are thinking of you and praying for the support you need in this difficult time. May God be with you and guide you through these moments.
Dr. Silver and family,
I wish there were words that would provide some adequate measure of comfort, but please accept sincere condolences. Know that our hearts are with you..
Sending heartfelt prayers to your family.
Dear Jon, Brenda and family,
Words can’t express how deeply sorry I am about the loss of your beautiful daughter. I have had you all in my prayers and will continue to do so. May God comfort you and hold you close in the days ahead.
Dr. Silver and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You and all of the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our hearts are breaking for you. Know we are holding you in our prayers.
Praying for God’s peace and comfort during this most difficult time. My heart aches for all of you. May God bless you and walk with you in the days ahead.
Words cannot express my heavy heart for your family. May the Lord give you the strength and courage during this most difficult time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and for the future <3.
Brenda,Jon, Zack and Sophia, All week,I have asked ,Why? I am so sorry and I truly grieve for the family. I was always told that the worst tragedy is to lose one’s child and I so understand how this can be.I am sorry that I cannot be there and see each of you but please know that the family is in my prayers.This is a beautiful obit.
All of us in the Paly family are so saddened by the loss of your beautiful Rachel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Brenda, Sophia, Zack, and Jon, Our hearts are heavy as we are thinking of each of you.
Dear Sophia, Brenda, and family- we are heartbroken to hear of your
loss. There are no words to express the sadness. Please know that Liza
and I are holding your family in our hearts.
Praying to Jesus for comfort for you all, Dr. Jon and Brenda Silver, and family.
Praying for peace and comfort for your family. -Dorral Wofford and Family
Dr Silver my heart aches for you and your family. Please know our prayers will be with you in these difficult days.
You are in our thoughts, and we are praying for you fervently. Rachel was such an amazing young lady, inspiring, and such a great friend and help to our daughter Ibby. What a privilege it was for Ibby to have been her roommate. She will always be greatly missed.
My heart grieves for you and your family at the loss of your beautiful daughter. So many talents and accomplishments in her short life. We always ask ‘Why’, after a senseless tragedy but there is no answer. I and those in my church are praying for ‘God’s peace that passes all understanding’ to pour down on your family now and in the days to come.
Dear Silver Family,
My heart is so broken for you. I am praying for you all and will keep you in my prayers. May God give you comfort in the days to come as only He can do.
Our family is holding your beautiful family in the healing light of God. There is no solution to the grief you feel. There is only the powerful love of Rachel’s sweet soul wrapping you in Divine arms. Our hearts break for you and the huge community that loves your beautiful daughter.
Dr. Silver did my husbands back surgery in 2015. Although we do not know your family on a personal basis, we are sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you during this time. Gerald and Carolyn Stamey
Jon, Brenda, Sophia and Zac…Altough we did not have the pleasure of knowing Rachel, we have known Dr. Silvers for 20 plus years. Michelle and I are very sorry for your loss and hope that Gods hand will be placed over your hearts and help you through this very difficult time.You all will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Brenda, Sophia and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rachel was such a joy and full of life at Center Stage. I will hold you in my prayers.
Dr. Silver and Family. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter Rachel. There are no words to console or comfort in this time of grief. There is only the assurance God holds Rachel in his heavenly arms. My prayers are with you in this most challenging of times. God bless and peace be with you.
Sending boundless love to all of you during this unimaginable time. This loss is truly beyond comprehension. I can see her precious face and feel her infectious energy filling the room like it was yesterday. Such an incredibly special girl. My heart is broken.
Your family is in our prayers daily! We were so sad to hear of your loss. Ibby Campbell my grand daughter spoke very highly of her roommate Rachel . She loved her friendship with Rachel. Keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jon, Brenda, Zack and Sophia- Words can’t express the sorrow we feel for your family and all those Rachel loved and touched in her life. We pray that God brings you some comfort as you mourn the loss of your beautiful, bright daughter. We can’t imagine what you are feeling right now and are keeping you all in our prayers and hope that Rachel’s light will continue to shine in your lives. We are so very sorry. ❤️
Dear Jon, Brenda, and family- I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. My heart just breaks for you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I am sending you love.
Dr. Silver, Mrs. Silver and family: Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. I can not image what you are going through right now. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deepest condolences for your loss. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Dr. Silver and Family, Praying for your sweet family during this time of unspeakable loss.
Dear Silver family, I am so sorry to read of Rachel’s untimely passing. She was such a gifted, kind, poised, and intelligent young lady. I enjoyed coaching her in Cheer. She always demonstrated true team spirit and was a good example to all. Her passing is a deep loss to this world as she had much to offer. Sending my deepest condolences and praying for your peace.
To the Silver family, watching Rachel grow up with Emily and the many dance adventures they experienced together it was special. You are a special family and loved by us all. It is my hope that all the wonderful memories will flood your mind and heart.
Lee McElrath
Dear Jon, Brenda, Zack, and Sophia, there are no words adequate to address your sorrow and grief, but please know that we are praying for peace and comfort from God to guide you through these dark days. Our hearts are heavy for you, and you are in our constant prayers.
Sincere condolences for your tremendous loss. We are praying for you family.
Suzanne and Brent Barkley
Dears Silver Family, I’m wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Remember, Rachel might have passed away, but she surely isn’t gone. Her love will stay with you forever. Although you have never met me, I will keep you close to my heart in prayers.
So sorry for the loss of your daughter I used to work for Dr Silver when it was call Mtn Neuro such a brilliant and caring doctor
Brenda and Jon,
We are so incredibly saddened by your loss. Victor Frankl’s words sum up the impact Rachel imparted on this world. ‘ We cannot judge a biography by its length, by the number of pages in it; we must judge it by the richness of the contents. Sometimes the ‘?unfinished’ are among the most beautiful of symphonies’? May you find comfort in knowing how many lives she touched.
I am so very sorry.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rabia, Freny and John Foreman
Jon and family, my heart goes out to you at the time of this tragic, tragic loss. I can only imagine the grief that you must feel. Yet even so, your pride and love come shining through in your beautiful obituary. You daughter was a beautiful gift that will continue to give through time.
Please know that Lori and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers.
May God give you a way to find comfort during this time.
With deep sympathy and hope,
Ron and Lori Paulus
Silver Family, Parks Family and Friends,
Our deepest condolences to you during this time. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying for strength and comfort.
My God, please comfort and keep this family wrapped in your loving arms. Guide them and show them you are forever walking by their side.
Andrew Metz and Pam Lunsford at Edward Jones
Our deepest condolences to the Silver Family. William and Kim LeFevers
Dear Dr. Jon Silver and Family: We are so sorry to learn about the loss of your beautiful daughter. May God wrap His Loving Arms around each of you and guide your every step in the days ahead. Hold on to the precious memories and times you shared together. Dr. Silver, you are our hero. You have performed five successful lumbar/cervical spine surgeries on Michael, giving him a new lease on life each time. You are a brilliant surgeon and a wonderful man. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda and Jon. I’m so sorry to hear about Rachel My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jon,
I cannot imagine what you are going through. Your daughter sounded like an ambitious bright young woman. I am so sorry fir your loss and wish you peace and comfort during these difficult times.
Jon I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. Since I heard about this accident, something made me keep up with this incident. When I saw Rachel’s name, her age, and where she lived, my heart sank. My fears were confirmed when I contacted Mike LeCroy in your home town. Our middle daughter is the same age, so I know what you have lost. Such tragedy should not befall anyone. You and your family have been in my prayers and will continue to be.
My family and I have lived in Mt Pleasant, SC since I finished Duke Orthopaedics in 1992. You and I were interns together so long ago, but I still remember those days….Stay strong in your faith my friend.
Jon and Brenda, So sorry to hear this tragic news. In reading about Rachel she sounds like an amazing young lady who we all would have been honored to know. Condolences and prayers being sent your way by your Phi Kap family on the west coast.
Dear Jon, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. Wishing you peace in this difficult time.
Dr. Silver and family, we are so sorry and saddened by the tragic loss of your daughter. We continue to pray for all of you in this challenging time. Although we did not know her personally, it is very evident Rachel was a truly talented and special person who will continue to bless all those that knew her. May God comfort and guide you all through this difficult period.
Silver Family,
I am so terribly sorry for your incomprehensible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Jon,Brenda,Zack and Sophia,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful and exceptional daughter and sister. May God hold your whole family in his loving arms and may the love of your family and friends comfort you. You are all in our prayers. Love, David and Krystal Bottom and family.
Dr and Mrs Silver, only God can know what your heartache is right now. We are so sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful woman at such a young age is a true tragedy. Your whole family is in our prayers. Our deepest condolences.
Dear Brenda and Family,
I’m Julia Bavolek’s aunt. I lived in Asheville for 10 years and knew Rachel since she was a tiny thing at Center Stage. I have so many memories of her at Carolina Day School functions, Center Stage dance recitals and competitions, and with Julia and the girls together just having fun. Rachel was a golden child. She was one of the shiniest people I ever knew. Everyone was blessed by your gift of Rachel to the world. I will remember her.
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Silver and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. I never understand why tragic accidents happen and take away the people we love. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you all will be able to hold each other tight and find peace.
Dr Silver, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Hi Jon – Valerie and I send our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Wishing you and all who knew her strength during this difficult time.
Jon and Brenda,
Our hearts are broken for your family. It is incomprehensible to lose such a precious daughter to such a tragic accident. We hope that family and friends can lift you up in this time of need and give you the strength to get through each day. We are sending hugs and prayers for healing.
Dr & Mrs Silver and family, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Dear Jon and Brenda, No words can really share how sad I feel. May the love of family surround you.
Zack, Getting to know you over the past few years makes me wish i met your sister. I’m certain she was a very special person. Linda and I send our condolences to you and your family. We are thinking of you. Regards, Lou & Linda Giglio
Jon, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your daughter. My wife and I will keep you in our prayers for comfort and healing.
I was so sorry to hear of Rachel’s passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rachel was such a lovely little girl. Her smile brought joy to everyone around her. I really enjoyed the opportunity to teach Rachel and to get to know her family. She will be missed so much.
Dear Jon and Brenda, The untimely loss of your daughter Rachel has pained me since I learned of it yesterday. Clearly she was an intelligent, beautiful, loving young woman who was tragically taken far too early from both you and this world. May her memory and all that she was live on forever within you and your family. And Jon, always remember that despite distance and the passage of time, your Phi Kap brothers are and will be there for you and yours.
I just saw Zack and his girlfriend at White Duck Taco, and I had no idea at the time that you had lost your wonderful Rachel. It is painful to even imagine what your whole family is enduring. I am so sorry I did not know to extend my condolences to you, Zack. Much love and power to heal.
Our hearts are so heavy for your incomprehensible and tragic loss. Both Mallory and Emily have such fun memories of sweet Rachel through dance and cheerleading. She touched the lives of so many whose paths she crossed through her spirited, thoughtful and caring ways. Sending your family our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and in the days to come. Love, The Lanes, Lori, Mallory and Emily
Dr. Silver and family, My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
Dr. Silver and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out for your family.
May your faith comfort you at this time.
John & Rebecca Musilli
So very sorry for your lost. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Jon and Brenda, My deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Michael Margiotta
So sorry for your loss. I did not know Rachel but agree with others that this was a tragic loss of a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you.
Dear Silver Family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My family’s hearts are with you and sending love and friendship to your family.
Dear Jon and Brenda, words cannot begin to express the depth of my sorrow when I heard this tragic news. Although we have been out of touch, we are and always will be Phi Kap brothers, and Jon, you were one of the greatest friends I had at Duke during the years we shared there together in the 80s. I am sending you both my deepest sympathies. Although I never met Rachel, I am quite sure that with such wonderful parents that she was a very special young woman. May you both peace and comfort in family and friends and so many people who love and care about you and your family. Again, my condolences on this unconscionable tragedy.
I just got this terrible news and it breaks my heart. I wish and pray for your whole family while you try to deal with this tragedy.
My heart aches for your family. May Rachel Rest In Peace and May God’s loving arms wrap your family in comfort.
Jon and family, So saddened by the news of your tragic loss.It was hard to think about much else today. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Jon and Brenda – I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Wishing you and your family strength and peace during this most difficult time.
Dr Silver and family, I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your daughter. I did not know her but hearing about her I feel we have all lost a truly exceptional human being. My heart aches for you all.
Dr. Silver, no words can ease the pain of your loss, but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sophia, Zack, Brenda and Jon, I am so very sad to have just learned about Rachel’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you all. Rachel has and always will hold a special place in my dance memories.
Love, Prayers, and Hugs – Miss Jen
Jon and Family, There are no words to convey our sadness in your time of loss. Rest assured that you and all that loved Rachel are in our prayers. Love forever from a Phi Kap brother.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Jon,
I just learned today, through Andy and Rhonda, of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Much love,
Terry
I don’t know your daughter but have one close to that age my prayers and condolences to you and your family and may God give you strength in your loss
Jon and Brenda – I was so sorry to learn of the loss of you daughter. Wishing you and your family strength, peace and comfort during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jon and Family, I am saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love from your Phi Kap brother.
My deepest condolences to the Silver family. I worked with Rachel when she was in Houston. She was incredibly bright and her smile was infectious! Sending prayers all the way from Houston,Tx.
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending positive healing thoughts your way.
Terri and I are sad to learn of Rachel’s tragic death. You are in our thoughts. Warrm regards,
David and Terri Goff
My thoughts are prayers are with the Silver Family. I worked with Rachel and she was the Best friend I could never have in Houston. Her style and her smile and smartness always made my day. I will truly miss her.. Too soon to be gone. Love you Pretty Girl
To Zack, and your family: You are in my thoughts; I am holding your family in the light.
No words can convey my sadness for your painful loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending much love.
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Silver and family.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your daughter, Rachel. Dr. Silver always spoke lovingly and proudly when we discussed our families during my appointments at his office. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Your beautiful daughter, Rachel, left a legacy of love that will always live on in you. May her memory be of a blessing.
We just heard of your terrible loss. We know Rachel was a lovely young woman who was loved deeply. Our hearts go out to you and your entire family.
I sorrow with you in the loss of your dear Rachel. What a beautiful, sweet person she was! Praying for healing and comfort and peace for all of your family.
Dr. Silver my family and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family….Hyacinth M Wilson
Carol and I send our deepest condolences at your loss. Bob Deutsch
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your daughter. Praying for comfort!
Brenda,
I happened to be scrolling on Facebook and this terrible news came up on your facebook. I cannot tell you how sorry I am for you and family. I remember Rachel when I cleaned for you when she was a little one, Zack also and baby Sophia. I wonder where the time has gone! Take care of yourself and try to enjoy every minute as time is fleeting.