Faith shone with purpose, determination, and an unmistakable light. From the time she was six, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, first inspired by Doc McStuffins and later by watching her mother navigate health challenges. Even as a child, she understood medicine not just as a career but as a calling to heal and serve.
Her commitment to healthcare deepened throughout high school. She gained hands‑on experience working at Stanfield Chiropractic, serving in nursing homes across four counties, and supporting EMTs in Effingham and Charleston. With every shift and every patient, her compassion grew stronger.
Her childhood was filled with music, movement and service. She poured her energy into choir, band and competitive dance. She volunteered through her church both in music and service, ringing bells, singing in the choir and helping at the food pantry. Her faith and her love of the arts were at the center of who she was.
At nine, Faith approached her pastor and said she was ready to be baptized. After a brief conversation, her conviction was clear, and the church baptized her that same day. It was an early glimpse into her confidence, clarity and devotion.
As she grew, Faith became the friend and classmate people relied on with her positive, hardworking and loving attitude. At Casey-Westfield Jr-Sr High School she excelled in marching band, starting as a saxophonist and rising to drum major. She earned first place as a soloist and represented her choir at state finals. She danced competitively across central Illinois. She cared deeply about everything she touched.
During her senior year, Faith faced one of her toughest decisions. Her academic ambitions demanded more time, and she realized she couldn’t maintain the same level of commitment to all her activities. In true Faith fashion, she created a full graph to show her band director and mother what staying involved would require. When it became clear the expectations didn’t fit, she stepped away, ever thoughtful, intentional and rooted in purpose.
When Faith turned 16, she made a choice that revealed her deep sense of values: she registered as an organ and tissue donor. She openly shared her wishes about donation and even cremation with her family because she never wanted them to carry uncertainty. She was a planner, always preparing thoughtfully for the future. Her mother knew without hesitation that donation was exactly what Faith wanted.
Her dreams continued to take shape as she entered adulthood. Faith earned a full scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, enrolling full time with an 18‑credit course load while also working full time as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. When additional program requirements threatened her already overwhelming schedule, she advocated for herself directly with the Dean. She explained she didn’t need to be “the face of the program” as she was already living its mission every day.
On September 27, everything changed. After leaving school and going to work, Faith hydroplaned on Westfield Road and was involved in a tragic accident. She never made it home.
In the days that followed, her family witnessed the full reach of her impact. More than 1,500 people attended her funeral, many strangers to her family, yet each with a story of how Faith had helped or encouraged them or stepped in when they needed someone. Her influence was far deeper and wider than anyone had ever realized.
Honoring her wishes, Faith’s family supported her decision to be an organ and tissue donor. In time, they received a letter from one of the recipients, a woman who was able to walk down the aisle at her wedding because of Faith’s knee graft, something she once believed she’d never be able to do.
Faith’s legacy continues not only through the lives she changed during her 18 beautiful years, but also through the lives she’s still changing today. Her choices were deliberate. Her life was purposeful. And her gifts live on.
