GARNER, IA - "She would always kind of just bounce in when it was time for class, smiled a lot, she was just very happy," said Garner Hayfield High School teacher Lori Griesert.
Long before her murder made headlines on Wednesday, or her three tours with the Iowa National Guard in the Middle East, Tereseann Moore (Lynch) was a simple student in North Iowa.
She grew up near Garner, and walked the halls at Garner-Hayfield High School.
Tereseann’s former teacher and yearbook advisor Lori Griesert remembers her as a responsible and friendly teen.
"It's just, it's hard to wrap your fingers or your head around,” said Griesert. “It just seems unreal, and yet, I'm sure it's very real, especially for her family, it's tough."
High school principal Paul Schoneman showed us this copy of Tereseann's senior yearbook that she helped put together in 1998.
In it she's noted as part of the choir, pep club, and was even voted “most outgoing” by her class.
Principal Schoneman remembers her as very bright.
Those we spoke with who knew her say they're not focusing on the death on, but her life.
Many of Tereseann's closest friends met in Garner on Thursday evening to remember the life of their friend.
One of her best friends, Michelle Martin of Garner, spoke to KIMT on the phone.
"She's my best friend, she's one of the most wonderful friends, mother, sister, anyone could ever ask for,” said Martin. “She will forever be missed."
Friends say, they'll always remember her.
"You can just still see her coming through the door with that big smile, and I think wow, it's tough to imagine she's gone," said Griesert.
We also had the chance to chat over the phone with Tereseann's college roommate and several other friends.
They shared nothing but fond memories, and they say, Thursday was a long tear-filled day remembering their friend.
The Iowa Air National Guard set up a memorial fund for Tereseann's son, Levi.
You can mail donations to:
Chief Master Sgt. Mark Louw
132nd Fighter Wing
3100 McKinley Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50321
