Christina Semeria was an animal lover with a beloved dog named "Moose." A Milton High School graduate, she was also a talented singer who performed at her church. And she was a student pursuing a bunch of dreams at the University of Georgia.
Perhaps she would have become a veterinarian. Maybe a physical therapist. Working in some kind of ministry was also a possibility for the 19-year-old.
Her friends and family said Semeria would have succeeded in any of these pursuits. Most of all, they remember her sweetness and selflessness.
Update: Funeral for Christina Semeria will be Monday, May 2
“She was a helper and loved to serve others,” said her aunt, Wendy Crawford of Suwanee. “She was always looking out for other people. She was very sweet. She was more of an introvert, but a very good friend. … A very loyal, close friend.”
An equestrian, Semeria was studying at UGA to become a veterinarian but had recently turned her attention to physical therapy, Crawford said. She was also a skilled songwriter, singer and guitarist who performed at Birmingham United Methodist Church in Alpharetta.
“Just know that she loved Jesus with all of her being and carried the boldest of faiths,” said her older brother Nick. “She remained a radiant person shining in God’s love through all of her days.”
Jeff Leonard, the ex-husband of Semeria’s mother, said Christina was shy and loving. His daughter was close with her.
“We are just absolutely devastated,” said Leonard, who lives in Roswell. “She was a beautiful person.”
“I’m sure we have some rough days ahead,” he said.
Caroline Wolfe, 16, also attends Birmingham United Methodist. She and her father joined hundreds of people mourning at UGA on Thursday. Carolina got up in front of the group and talked about God as a balm for all the stresses in life.
“God is there the whole time,” she said, “and he is madly in love with you.”
She spoke of Semeria as her role model. Semeria led the youth worship at their church. When Semeria went to UGA, Caroline took over that responsibility.
“I just grew up looking up to her,” she said. “She taught me how to lead worship.”
Last Easter, Caroline told her about her plans for college. Semeria said she didn’t want to see Caroline grow up too fast and that she would help her apply for a school.
“She said she would pray for me,” Caroline said.
Caroline’s father, Jonathan Wolfe, said he heard about the fatal traffic accident early Thursday morning.
“They had a house full of people before the sun came up,” he said of Semeria’s family.
At one point, he said, Semeria’s mother pulled out her phone and played a recording of a song her daughter wrote. Caroline said it was about being still and knowing God is there.
“It was everything,” Caroline said, “someone dealing with loss needed to hear.”
