Hundreds gathered at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park on Thursday morning to honor Faye Hamlin Daniel, a Severna Park resident who died on Dec. 24.

Daniel served as principal of Tyler Heights Elementary School up until this fall, when she became ill.

The service was officiated by the Rev. Dr. Floyd W. Churn, the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds, the Rev. Elizabeth D. McLean and the Rev. Dr. W. Terry Schoener.

The first hymn sung was "Morning Has Broken."

McLean shared memories of when she first met Daniel. Family members shared stories and read verses from the Bible.

Schoener shared notes written by Tyler Heights students earlier in the month.

"We hope you feel better because you are the school's beautiful bright sun," Schoener read from one note.

Another read: "You are the best principal a school could ever have."

"Tyler Heights is a very tight knit community," Bob Mosier, public information officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, said, adding that this has been very difficult for the staff, and to some degree, the students.

Mosier said Monday will be an emotional day when students return to school after winter break, adding that counselors will be on hand to assist both students and staff members.

Instead of flowers, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is collecting donations, in honor of Daniel. The donations will be used by the faculty of Tyler Heights for the students there.