It’s so hard to believe Amanda is gone. She was one of the crew, a part of us, and now it feels like we’re missing a piece of the puzzle.
Amanda and I played softball together for years—she was passionate about the game and an absolute beast on the field. The summer after my freshman year, our Virginia High and Battle girls teamed up for travel ball. That team was tough to beat—we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into that season, creating memories I’ll never forget. Amanda and I became so close that year, and when I later moved to Battle, our bond only grew stronger.
Amanda was the funny one, always laughing and finding a way to turn any awkward moment into something hilarious. I remember us all hanging out at Kristina’s house—Amanda would laugh, and Kristina’s bird would mimic her. It would be the middle of the night, the bird would laugh, Amanda would laugh, and then all of us would be in stitches.
Summers were spent together at T.D.’s house, making some of the best memories of our lives. We cried together, played ball, sang karaoke—it was a sisterhood that not everyone gets to experience, and I’m so grateful we had that. No matter how late we stayed up, Amanda would roll out of bed and head to work the next morning like it was nothing. And let’s not forget—she always had the best hair. She’d wake up looking beautiful without even trying.
As we grew up, we stayed in touch, and I always looked forward to seeing her at games. She had a way of lifting my spirits—running up to me, arms open, saying, “Can I please have a hug? You give the best hugs.” I’m not much of a hugger, but I never turned her down—and honestly, I loved her hugs just as much as she loved mine.
Amanda was a natural at being a mom. The way she loved and cared for her boys was something special. She was fiercely loyal—if someone messed with someone she loved, they were messing with Amanda too. She always made sure the people she cared about were okay, never putting herself first.
Every other weekend, when I worked security at church, she’d come straight up to me with that same big hug—never missing a beat. Her passing has been so hard to accept, and I know life won’t be the same without her.
I will cherish every memory we shared and miss her more than words can say. My heart goes out to her family—I can’t imagine how hard this is for them.
Rest easy, Amanda. You were loved beyond measure.
Lindsey Rock Clayman