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Clark Atlanta student allegedly killed by roommate, boyfriend laid to rest

ATHENS, Ga. — A college senior who police say was murdered by her roommate and her roommate's boyfriend was laid to rest Saturday.

Alexis Crawford's story captured the hearts of people across the country. She attended Clark Atlanta University and was from Athens.

Crawford’s roommate Jordyn Jones, and Jones’ boyfriend Barron Brantley, have been charged with her killing. Police say just days before her death, Crawford reported that Brantley sexually assaulted her.

Hundreds of people gathered Saturday at Cornerstone Church in Athens to show just how much Crawford was loved as they laid her to rest.

“We’re not here because she died, but we’re here because Alexis lived,” the Rev. Markel Hutchins told the congregation of hundreds Saturday.

Channel 2's Christian Jennings sat in on the service that she said both praised God and commemorated the woman friends called a beautiful soul.

“You were always there to encourage the ones you love,” one friend said about Crawford.

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During the funeral service, Crawford’s parents and siblings held each other close as her sister, Alexandria Crawford, told the congregation about the last text she got from her sister.

“Alexis texted me, ‘All this is in God’s plan. It will work out for me. Praying it will,’” Alexandria Crawford said. “She refused to live her life with guilt and fear. She put her faith in God. God was her rock through her hard times so now we should take her lead and lean on God.”

Close friend Deajia Kershaw talked about the long-lasting impact Crawford had on her life.

“I know she wouldn’t want me crying. She would want me smiling and just keep on going. So Lex, for the both of us, I’m going to get that degree and I’m going to go to law school,” Kershaw said.

The Clark Atlanta choir sang for the service and the university’s president, the Rev. Dr. George French, Jr., gave a sermon about hope.

“God still has your back and if you never depended on God before you better depend on him right now,” French said.

Jennings said one of the most touching moments was seeing Crawford's parents and her brothers and sisters on stage. The congregation lifted their arms, prayed for them, cried with them and let them know this community is here for them.