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Hundreds pay their respects to Abbey Tsumas
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Published: November 4, 2009
Tuesday's memorial service for Abigail Grace Tsumas was a testament to the love and joy she brought to all who knew her.
From the moment people entered the sanctuary at First Baptist Church, the impact the 16-year-old with bright eyes had on those whose lives she touched was obvious.
The daughter of Harry and Ellen Tsumas, Abigail died early Saturday morning as a result of injuries she suffered in an automobile accident.
Each person who participated in the service shared the grief, shock and love they felt for the Statesville High School student many affectionately referred to as "Abbey."
The Rev. Jack Causey said Abbey "touched the lives of a lot of folks regardless of their age."
"Her warm smile brightened an otherwise cloudy day for us," he said.
Every time he saw Abbey, Causey said, she greeted him with a big hug that made him feel special.
He later found out that is how she greeted mostly everyone.
"She embraced life and squeezed more out of life in her time here than most of us," he said.
Abbey embraced the fullness of life because of her relationship with God, he explained.
Images of Abbey were propped on and near the altar in the front of the church. Those images — and the personal time each person shared with Abbey — will be etched in their memories and hearts forever.
Throughout the service, silence blanketed the sanctuary, but the sounds of sniffing and sobs at times cut through the quiet.
There was not an empty seat in the pews, leaving others to line the walls and take in the service from the entryway of the church.
The service was also broadcast at several other locations such as the church's gym and family life center, Statesville Christian School, Mac Gray Auditorium at Statesville High and streamed on the Internet.
Abbey's friend, Rob Lee, said her smile lit up a room and her laughter and joy were holy.
"Even in death, remember everything Abbey had a chance to do and rejoice," he said.
Harry Tsumas shared brief remarks with those who were in earshot of his voice.
He thanked everyone for their outpouring of love and their presence during this time.
"The presence at our house and the hugs took off a little bit of sorrow in our hearts," he said.
First Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Porter said Abbey put her faith in Jesus and that faith made her strong.
She was capable of doing anything from playing soccer to boating to giving her testimony.
"Abbey gave 100 percent to everything she did," he said. "She set an example for all of us to follow."
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