HEARTBREAKING: The faces and names behind the nine victims brutally massacred at Charleston's Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Loving and God-fearing are just some of the words people use to describe the nine Christians brutally murdered by a 21-year-old at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wednesday. Heartbroken and devastated, the people of Charleston and the families of the victims shared memories, baring the faces and names of those they loved and lost from the massacre.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - One of the lost was a state legislator for the state of South Carolina and appointed pastor of the church, Reverend Clementa Pinckney. At the age of 41, the beloved state senator and pastor left his wife and two children, and the institutions and the people he had been serving.

"He had a core not many of us have. I think of the irony that the most gentle of the 46 of us - the best of the 46 of us in this chamber - is the one who lost his life," said his chamber seatmate, Sen. Vincent Sheheen.

At 45, Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton's wonderful life was taken. She was serving as a part-time minister at the church, as a speech pathologist and girls' track coach at Goose Creek High School. Her son who was at the university when the terrible event happened, shared a photo of them with Rev. Pinckney, describing the two as angels already in the sky.

Ethel Lance, 70, was one of the devoted churchgoers who is said to be "beautiful inside and out" by her granddaughter. The God-fearing woman served as a housekeeping staff for about 30 years before retiring, and now has left behind her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren aching for the heart of their family.

Her cousin, Susie Jackson, 87, was also a victim. Choir member and longtime church member, loving Susie will be missed by her family who's struggling to accept her death. "It's real, real hard. It's challenging because I don't believe she deserved to go this way," said her grandson.

Leaving four daughters behind, as well as the college students she's working with, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49, also lost her life. "I will truly miss you my love. Your beautiful personality, your laughter, your smile, and your love for everyone," wrote her sister. Her co-worker expressed that, "She was a woman of God," helping the poorest residents through services.

"Cynthia was a tireless servant of the community who spent her life helping residents, making sure they had every opportunity for an education and personal growth," explained the library Cynthia Hurd, 54, had been working for for 31 years. She was at the church that Wednesday night, which did not surprise her brother, who said she loved that place.

Retired pastor Daniel Simmons, 45, died at the operating table where he was rushed after the attack. His daughter-in-law said he always attended the Sunday services and Wednesday Bible studies at the church.

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Youngest of all the victims is Tywanza Sanders who just graduated from the university last year. According to Allen University, he was committed to his education earning him a respected reputation among the students, despite being mostly quiet.

Myra Thompson, 59, was a confirmed victim, however, it was reported that her daughter did not give any further comments. Thompson was the wife of Rev. Anthony Thompson, Vicar of Holy Trinity REC (ACNA) Church in Charleston.

God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.