LANCASTER, SC ~ Spc. Kristal Lopez, age 19, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024.  She was born September 18, 2004, in Louisville, Colorado, the daughter of Brenda Lara and Victor Lopez. Spc. Lopez was actively serving in The South Carolina Army National Guard as a paralegal specialist. She served with honor, dignity, and respect. Spc. Lopez was a graduate of Lancaster High School. While in school, she played varsity soccer for LHS where she created special friendships with her teammates.  Spc. Lopez was a selfless young woman who loved helping others and serving in her community. She often donated blood and clothes and volunteered in the community trash pickups. Spc. Lopez loved the color lavender, as it was her favorite color and her German Shepherd, Leo; they had such a special bond. In her free time, she loved to read and write short stories and sing in the church choir. Spc. Lopez was a member of Centro Cristiano Luz y Verdad.

Spc. Lopez is survived by her mother and stepfather, Brenda Lara and Evaristo Mejia Hernandez; her father, Victor Lopez; two sisters, Karla Wilson, and Elizabeth Mejia Lara; her brother, Caleb Mejia Lara; her maternal grandparents, Candelaria Bastidas and Martin Lara; her aunt, Thalia Lara; her nephew, Ashton Wilson; and many special friends and family members.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Spc. Lopez will be 11:00 am Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, one hour prior to the service at Burgess Funeral Home.

The Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be 11:00 am Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with full military honors.

As her last selfless act on earth, Spc. Lopez was an organ donor. Spc. Lopez's gift of life will touch many lives and improve the quality of life of others made possible through her selfless gift. Spc. Lopez will forever live on through her organ recipients and her family and friends will forever keep her memory alive and close to their hearts.