Alyssa Mary Benedict, 16, of Tiffin, IA, died Thursday, September 3, 2009 in Johnson County, Iowa as a result of an automobile accident. She was born on August 1, 1993 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Chuck Stevens and Marie Benedict. She was currently a sophomore at Clear Creek-Amana High School in Tiffin. She previously lived in North Liberty and attended West High. Alyssa brought joy to everyone she came in contact with. She was a "burst of sunshine" whenever she walked into a room. The only thing more beautiful than her smile was her spirit. Alyssa had a zest for life that affected everyone. She was creative, artistic, loved photography and excelled at writing. Alyssa, you are and always will be irreplaceable. In keeping with Alyssa's loving and generous spirit she gave the "gift of life" by becoming an organ and tissue donor. Alyssa's future plan in life was to join the Peace Corp and become a veterinarian of exotic animals. She is survived by her mother Marie Benedict McGee of Tiffin, IA, her father, Chuck Stevens and his wife April of Keokuk, IA, her step-father, Tony McGee of North Liberty, IA, three brothers, Jarred Benedict Gafford of Tiffin, IA, Payton and Bryer Stevens of Keokuk, IA, grandparents, Ethel Benedict of Muskegon, MI, Patty and Jerry Tichenor of Keokuk, IA, Charlie & Kathy Stevens of Cumming, GA, Frank & Carol Winkler of Keokuk, Billie and Lynda (Fryer) Noble of St. Patrick, MO and Gloria McGee of Keokuk, IA, great-grandmother, Carolyn Keller of Keokuk, IA, aunts and uncles, Marvin and Amy Benedict, Jessy and John Mortimer, Sally and Will Page and Calvin Stevens all of Keokuk, IA and Carson and Corrie Noble of Quincy, IL, and many cousins including Zachary and Brittany Benedict. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Marvin and Mary Benedict, great-grandparents, Paul Benedict, Gordon & Kathryn Wagner, Dorothy & Eugene Boudreau, Charles and Sarah Stevens and a cousin, Nate Boudreau. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at the Faith Family Church in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Jay Zetterlund officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. A memorial service was held in Tiffin, IA at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Clear Creek-Amana High School auditorium. Memorials may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.