Arrangements of large sunflowers and peach-colored roses line the front wall of the Ezell Chapel on August 31, the day of the memorial service honoring Liz LaVelle’s life.

Liz was a 2009-2010 freshman at Lipscomb from Germantown, Tennessee. She was killed in an auto accident on her way to Nashville on July 28.

To the right of the room stands a large portrait of Liz lying in the grass with a beautiful smile from ear to ear. As her family begins to arrive, laughter, hugs, and the murmurs of conversation slowly begin to fill the room. The mood overall is not a somber or sad one as reminiscent stories are shared.

Dr. Scott McDowell welcomes the throng of people who have come to honor Liz. There is not an open seat in the room as more and more people pile in and stand in the back.

Dr. Harold Hazelip prays the prayer of Psalm 23 and introduces Dr. Dave LaVelle, Liz’s father.

A teary-eyed Dr. Lavelle accounts the story of Liz’s life and restates over and over again how much Liz was loved by her family and was very close to her  cousins. He said she was very committed to the Lord and was spiritually growing all the time. Liz was baptized when she was 10 years old, stating that she “wanted everyone in the family to baptize her.”

Liz was a psychology major pursuing a career at Agape.

“Liz’s future was bright,” said her father. “She could draw, paint, sing and write. She had a lot of talent and a bright future.

“We’re faced with reality. The reality is she isn’t here. The reality is dreams are unfulfilled. We can keep her memory alive by doing what she wanted to do, help children in any way possible.”

Dr. Lavelle takes a seat and a slideshow of pictures is shown narrating Liz’s short-lived life. Dry eyes are nowhere to be found as the pictures tell a story of a girl with a love for life and a deep care for others.

Liz’s brother Dan then shares some thoughts and memories of his sister.

“Every time I would walk into the student center I would see her with a different person that I’d never met before,” he said. “She didn’t have to try; everyone thought they were her best friend.

“I want to give a sincere thanks to Lipscomb. Not many schools would have done what they did.”

Dr. Terry Smith, a long time friend of the LaVelles, read a poem he had written to Liz’s family and friends.

“Do not weep for me.

I cannot come to you now,

You can come to me.

Let God’s Spirit comfort you.

Draw near each day to his heart.

Extravagant love,

He always keeps his promise.

Please accept this treasured gift,

Then give it away.

Joy comes in obeying Him.

Love each other as God loves.

Please see the children,

The ones who’ve been abandoned.

God is here to comfort you,

Raise you up in love.”

President Lowry and his wife, Rhonda, closed with the announcement of the creation of the Elizabeth LaVelle scholarship fund to go to someone who loves children as much as Liz did. An elm tree has been planted in her memory in front of the Elam dormitory, where she was to live this fall semester.

“We gather as people who have been called by God, not as people who have no hope,” said Rhonda Lowry. “To God be the glory for the life of Liz.”