Family and friends grieve the loss of a beautiful girl and gifted singer
Posted by The Skyliner on January 28th, 2009Kaelyn Pfenning
Copy Editor
Tiffany Huff
Tiffany Huff, senior music education, pulled onto Route 25 around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, and a car smashed into the driver’s side before her father’s eyes. A simple errand to pick up book money from her parents became a heart-wrenching tragedy for many who knew Huff personally.
“Dr. McManus called me out of class and took me to student services. He, the personal counselor Ms. Sue, and Mrs. Green told me. I just started crying,” said Huff’s roommate Jackie Joyner, elementary education.
Dr. Bill McManus, counselor supervisor, received a call from Lori Green around 8:40 a.m. He dismissed his class early and offered his help to Student Services. Honoring the request of Huff’s father, McManus informed Joyner of the accident before allowing any public announcement.
“The very essence of who [Tiffany] is and how she embraced her faith in Jesus Christ echoes throughout the places where she walked,” said McManus. “She did not waste her years on trivial pursuits of pleasure; she invested her life in relationships.”
At noon, Huff’s friends and classmates gathered in the choral practice room to share memories concerning Tiffany and to encourage each other.
“They talked of her vocal talents, her love of color coordination, of her last facebook entry [salvation of her grandfather], her vibrant personality, her infectious smile and her faith directed worldview,” said McManus.
Later on Thursday night, President Jimmy Epting gave a memorial speech during a faculty dinner in the Hayes Ministry Center in honor of Tiffany Huff. The nature of the speech cast a somber mood as Epting spoke.
“I started praying as soon as I heard there was an accident at 414 and 25,” said Susan Kahl, associate professor of sociology and department chair for interdisciplinary studies, “I prayed more specifically when I had more details about the student, her family and her friends.”
Even as family and friends mourn the loss of a daughter and friend, they remember the impact of her life.
“I met Tiff our freshman year,” said one of Huff’s close friends Bethany Settlemyer, junior early childhood education. “I was visiting my friend Emilie Bartholomew when Tiff walked in. The first thing she said to me was, ‘Who are you?’ I told her my name and she said, ‘Oh ok, Hi!’ I laughed so hard. She was so sweet.”
Along with memories of first meetings, Huff’s friends treasure the blessings of fellowship with Huff.
“My best memory was one night when we were in our room goofing off, and she was making a noise like a duck, and we couldn’t stop laughing,” said Joyner.
In this time of heartache, family and friends recall the joy Huff brought to the lives which touched hers.
“She was always positive and happy no matter what the circumstance,” said Jessica Boyle.
In addition to her lighthearted and gentle nature, Huff won hearts and uplifted spirits through her facial expressions.
Settlemyer said, “One of my most recent memories with Tiff was when we were in an ensemble for the Miss NGU Pageant. All the girls would be practicing over and over again until we were tired and unhappy, and she would make us laugh with the funny faces, gestures, and singing she did.”
Others recollect not only her optimistic attitude but also her talents and gifts which she shared with those around her.
“She’s an extremely talented musician and so pretty and beautiful,” said Sharon Roach, junior secondary English major.
Huff capitalized on her strengths by singing in choir both at college and at her home church, Clearview Baptist Church. Singing in the choirs allowed Huff to share Christ as well.
“She loved southern gospel and being able to worship and spread God’s gospel in that way,” said Joyner.
Along with her musical talent, Huff possesses a quiet and sweet demeanor which blossoms with a deepening relationship.
“Quiet but sweet, shy but fun when you get to know her some. I remember her smile the best,” said Anna Adams, freshman music.
Huff’s smile touched the lives of more than one friend as she exuded her love for Jesus Christ.
“Tiffany had a great smile and beautiful voice,” said Settlemyer. “She was caring and full of God and her faith which radiated from her all the time.”
“I remember her smile and her hair, because she always looked so cute,” said Sharon Adair, December 2008 graduate.
Though there is a time to mourn, Huff’s family and friends recognize the hope of heaven and draw comfort by looking forward to seeing her again one day.
“She was one of my best friends and best lovers of Christ I’ve ever known,” Settlemyer said. “I will miss her so much, but I know that she is in a better place and singing her heart out in Heaven.”