Crystal M. Kolp
The first word that comes to mind when anyone thinks of Crystal is “kind”. Crystal was kind and gentle in all her interactions in life. She thought of others’ feelings and never spoke poorly of anyone. She was quiet but always listening. Once you told Crystal something, she never forgot. She was the kind of person you could depend on and you always knew where you stood with her. She was stable, loyal, and true, and everyone who knew her was luckier for it.
Crystal was always willing to help someone in need. She supported those in her life through the good times and bad without hesitation. Her smile could cheer you up when you were feeling down and she had a laugh that would almost catch you by surprise, making it impossible not to laugh right along with her. They say that “only the good die young” and this sentiment couldn’t be more true than when it comes to Crystal.
Family meant the world to Crystal. She came from a very close family who loves spending time together. From family barbeques to summer trips to Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg, Crystal made lasting memories with her family. Her family fondly remembers time spent in the hammock in her Grandparent’s backyard, eating chicken strips and cheese sticks (a gourmet delight) at The Conch, and riding the ski lift in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One of her most memorable trips was a family cruise to celebrate her Grandpa’s retirement where the family enjoyed sitting on the beach at Mr. Busby’s Beach Bar where they loved playing in the waves, eating lobster, and relishing in the experience.
Crystal also made wonderful memories with her family at home. When she was young she loved to put on shows with her cousin Leah. They spent much of their youth performing on their Grandma and Grandpa’s fireplace hearth for anyone who was willing to watch and fighting over space while performing in front of the full length mirror at Crystal’s house. Crystal’s mom, Carol, has video footage of one such performance that would easily win a prize on “Funniest Home Videos” if given the chance.
It’s impossible to talk about Crystal’s love of family without mentioning the beautiful relationship she shared with her parents. It was the kind of relationship that any parent would pray for. She was kind and considerate to them throughout her whole life, never taking them for granted. In 2001, Crystal added a pet to her family, her beloved dog Coconut. Coconut, a beautiful golden retriever, was a wonderful companion to Crystal for 12 years and she always cherished the time she spent with her.
Crystal had many accomplishments to be proud of. In high school, she received a certificate of achievement for “most jazzy” in show choir. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2013 with honors (Cum Laude) with a Legal Assistant Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to work at her Aunt Julie’s insurance office where she was able to completely change the dynamic of the office, re-organizing and creating a system that allowed tasks to be completed in a fraction of the time they previously took. Her quick wit and problem solving abilities allowed her to tackle any task set before her. She became a licensed insurance producer in 2013 and went on to accept a position as a Customer Service Representative at Meemic Insurance in 2015. Crystal had aspirations to become a nurse and work in the oncology unit. She wanted to take what she had learned about cancer and help others who were going through a similar journey.
In April, 2018 she was accepted into Oakland University as a Pre-Accelerated Second Degree BSN (nursing) student. Crystal was the kind of person who could do anything she put her mind to because she put her whole heart into it too.
In addition to her many school and work related accomplishments, Crystal was an excellent cook. She made THE best pumpkin pies each Thanksgiving. Her family would start asking around weeks before the holiday to confirm that her pies would be making an appearance and she never disappointed, even when she was sick.
Those who knew Crystal will remember her for her kind spirit and loving heart. Crystal is survived by her parents Jeff and Carol (Nolle) Kolp, her Grandma Marion (Young) Kolp, her aunts, uncles, and many cousins.