Krystalynn Anna Long

Krystal Long was called home to God on Friday morning, July 24, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 31. She was born on February 17, 1984 in Algonquin, Illinois. She is survived by her parents, Cynthia Gillen and Daniel Long, and her siblings, Tanya (Nick) Traylor, Daniel (Brittney) Long, Stephanie (Justin) Epling, Derek Long, Thomas Gillen, William Gillen and Cynthia Gillen. She is also survived by her grandparents, Melvin and Lois Long, and Arnel Potter as well as many uncles, aunts and cousins who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Dona Louise Potter and her nephew, Brandon. Krystal was a proud aunt to five. Krystal grew up in Algonquin, Illinois until the age of 14, when her family moved to California. She had a passion for continuing her education and earned an Associate's Degree from Chabot Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Communications at San Francisco State University in 2009. Krystal loved her time in California and especially the city life. After graduation, Krystal had a desire to move back to her home state of Illinois and live in the 'big city' of Chicago. She was always proud of living in the city and loved taking public transportation , meeting many wonderful people from all walks of life along the way. Any time she wanted to get together with family or friends, she would love to show people around her beloved city. Krystal worked at several jobs in Chicago, including NORC at the University of Chicago for the past 5 years, Blackstone Marketing Group, New Life Community Church and The Disney Store. Every year she enjoyed volunteering to work for many of Chicago's big events like the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, Tall Ships Chicago at Navy Pier and special events at Shedd Aquarium. She was very proud of her contributions to her city of Chicago that she loved so much, and often talked fondly of the big events she was able to take part in. She loved volunteer work and became deeply passionate about trying to help prevent sex-trafficking in the city. Krystal was a very driven person who enjoyed her daily interactions with family, friends, co-workers and other people she came across. She was very good about keeping in touch with people and tried to make sure she let people know she was thinking of them for their birthdays or other events in their lives. Krystal enjoyed being around her family and friends for holidays, celebrations and vacations, as well as just visiting to catch up on life. She will be greatly missed. The impact of her being gone will be felt for many years to come, as she had a contagious smile, upbeat personality, passion for God and His Word, and for helping others come to Christ and to deal with the difficult things in life. A memorial service will be held in her honor from 6-8 pm on Friday, July 31, 2015 at the New Life Community Church in Lincoln Park, located at 1110 W. Lill Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Flowers can be delivered to New Life Church on Friday, July 31st after 11am for her service. Memorial donations may be made in Krystal's name to Traffick Free in Chicago or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.