Kirsten Reynolds had a strong passion for children, something that lasted all her life.
Reynolds, 20, a junior social work major at Ball State University, died Oct. 8 after giving birth to her son, Jalen Robert.
Funeral services are noon Tuesday at Allen Chapel AME Church in Indianapolis. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon at the church.
Jade Graves, who was a close friend and roommate of Reynolds their freshman and sophomore years, said she was just a kind-hearted person.
"We used to always joke with her saying she was too nice and always too happy, but she would always find a way to brighten everyone's day," Graves said.
Reynolds wanted to work with kids after she obtained her degree from Ball State, Graves said. The social work major always talked about opening a center for troubled youth, which was something she was very passionate about, Graves said.
Graves said Reynolds' family will take care of her new born son.
"There are so many memories," Graves said. "She was a genuine person who was always there to listen and talk to me. No matter what it was, she had a way to be nice to me about it."
Reynolds was part of a close group of five friends -¡- including Graves, Simone Gibson, Camille Cockrell and Jordan Petty - who became close during their freshman year.
"We all knew somebody who knew somebody else in the group," Graves said. "We became really close really fast."
Dean of Students Karl Beeler issued a statement Thursday regarding Reynold's death.
"Kirsten's passing is especially sad because she was young and had so much of life ahead of her," Beeler said. "Her passing reminds us that each day is precious, and that no day is guaranteed. The students who knew her well are saying goodbye in their own ways. Many are dealing with feelings that are difficult. I would like to assure them that grieving a lost friend is never easy, and that talking about it is always helpful. Any student who is having an especially difficult time is encouraged to contact our Ball State Counseling Center in Lucina Hall, 285-1736. We have a caring staff of professionals who are there to help."
Reynolds is survived by her son Jalen, her parents Michael Dwayne and MonDona Latresse Reynolds and her sisters Courtney Rey and Camille Latresse Reynolds.
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