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Community says farewell to Bessemer City restaurant crash victim

GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gaston County family laid to rest a woman killed two weeks ago when an SUV rammed into a restaurant.

Family and friends celebrated the life of Amanda Self at an emotional funeral service where her family described the impact she leaves behind.

[IMAGES: Funeral for victim in Bessemer City restaurant crash]

The outpouring of support was so overwhelming that Gastonia’s Bethlehem Church volunteered to host the service because it was larger than Venture Church, the church she attended.

"I can't begin to imagine the loss that they have suffered throughout their family," said Sherry Mayhue, who works with the Gaston County Sheriff's Office. "It’s just so traumatic for everybody."

Investigators said Roger Self, Amanda Self’s father-in-law, intentionally drove into the Surf & Turf Restaurant in Bessemer City where several of his family members were seated.

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Roger Self’s son and Amanda Self’s husband, Josh Self, a local police officer, was injured in the crash.

Josh Self’s sister, Katelyn Self, was also killed.

“There's certain things you just can't explain. This is one of them,” said Steve Bridges, who worked with Amanda Self.

Amanda Self’s coworkers at a CaroMont Regional Medical Center recalled everything from her gracious spirit to her smile.

“She always had a smile on her face. Every time you saw her, she had that big grin,” Bridges said.

Amanda Self’s 8-year-old son, Kaleb, remembered her, too.

“We love her so much and she knows that we love her, too,” Kaleb said.

Roger Self will be in court on Thursday facing two charges of first-degree murder.

The family's pastor, Austin Rammel, said Roger Self has been battling mental illness.

In addition to the two women killed in the crash, four other family members were injured.

Arrangements for Katelyn Self, a Gaston County deputy, haven't been finalized.

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