Senior Crystal Lyle, a choral music education major, died March 9 at Decatur Morgan Hospital, according to Sharpley Funeral Home in Decatur.

Lyle’s funeral is at 1 p.m. March 16 at First Missionary Baptist Church, 233 Vine St. NW, Decatur.

“She will be dearly missed by student and teacher alike,” said Professor of Music Ian Loeppky in a Facebook post.

Lyle was optimistic and kind to those around her, said junior Kaitlynn Jones in a Facebook post.

“She was the first friend I made in choir two years ago, and she made me feel like I belonged,” she said. “Crystal was the most gentle and kind-hearted person. She was an angel walking among us.”

Student Counseling Services is available to support any students, faculty or staff during this time, said Director Lynne Martin in an email. The campus community can reach them at 256-765-5215.

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