An East Texas city is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old high school student who inspired an entire community with her "never give up" attitude and her smiling, soft-spoken manner.
That's why people in Kilgore and all over East Texas will never forget 17-year-old Lynzee Ford. Lynzee passed away last night after a nine-month battle with leukemia.
She was a model of courage, and inspired thousands of people, including strangers who got to see and read her story on local and national news outlets. For many, Ford was more like family.
"Most courageous 17-year-old kid I ever met in my life. Now it's not just community; we're all family," says Kilgore police sergeant Vance Callahan.
Ford had a giving spirit, often volunteering at a child care center.
"The kids, they loved her and she loved them. She was the epitome of courage, strength; she loved life. God this hurts! This is killing me, but I know she's in a better place," says relative Alice Hunt.
Lynzee didn't let cancer change her outlook on life. When we talked with her in September, she was taking everything day by day.
"Well, I didn't take it too hard, I didn't want to stress myself out, so I decided to take it in and work with it," she said in a September 26 interview.
"Very sweet, very inspiring person. She was so brave, and made it look easy to deal with the things she dealt with," said Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Bradley.
Kilgore High School created a special graduation ceremony this week to make sure Lynzee got a chance to wear her cap and gown.
"She always had a huge smile, she impacted everyone, made everyone have a better day," said Lynzee's softball coach Cheyenne Kirkpatrick.
"In spite of knowing that the end was coming, it's hard to realize it's over after fighting so long and hard," Spradlin says.
They remember her tenacity to the end.
"Her mantra was never give up. And she lived it every day. She taught us all a lot," says family friend David Barrett.
If you'd like to help Lynzee's family, you can donate to the 'I Love Lynzee Project" at Kilgore National Bank.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 1 at 1: p.m. at Forest Home Baptist Church in Kilgore.
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