As Bre Payton's family prepare for her funeral and a D.C. service, friends and colleagues sent prayers, love, and memories across Twitter.

Today Federalist Staff Writer Bre Payton passed away of a sudden illness at age 26. As her family and friends prepare for a funeral in her home state of California and a memorial service in Washington D.C., friends and colleagues sent prayers, love, and memories across Twitter.

We share some here in her memory, to grieve her death, and to celebrate her life, which she believed is eternal and so do many who love her: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

@Bre_payton was the first person to demonstrate to me that if we left the NYC Fox studio by 8:50, we could make the 9:05 train to DC—if we ran. She was fun and fiery and full of life, and will be so very missed by all. https://t.co/D0glWdfShS — Robby Soave (@robbysoave) December 28, 2018

Bre Payton passed away from a sudden illness. Bre is one of the kindest, most thoughtful souls I've ever encountered. She made a positive impact on every person she met, her smile, her love of LIFE, God, & passion for news was contagious. SHE WILL be missed! Pray for her family. pic.twitter.com/fPjifm65QS — Stephanie Hamill (@STEPHMHAMILL) December 28, 2018

We are devastated and heartbroken by the news of Bre Payton's death today. She was kind, gentle, and joyful. Our only comfort is the knowledge that she is now peacefully resting in the arms of her Savior. We grieve her loss deeply, but rejoice in her eternal salvation in Christ. — Sean Davis (@seanmdav) December 28, 2018

My podcast co-host. My Problematic Woman in crime. My birthday twin. My very dear friend. At just 26, @Bre_payton was youger than me, but felt more like my big sister. I am in complete shock that we lost this beautiful soul, and am comforted only by the faith she had in the Lord. pic.twitter.com/8rUNejejdu — Kelsey Harkness (@kelseyjharkness) December 28, 2018

I remember I was in the back of the room at CPAC and Bre walked up to say hello to me. Crossing the room, she turned the heads of so many male journalists I nearly laughed out loud. Of course, that she was stunning only meant that people underestimated her intellect. What a loss. — Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) December 28, 2018

Most people don't realize how small the staff of @FDRLST really is. We are about the size of a large nuclear family (and often feel like one). Losing Bre Payton is simply devastating. She was not just a smart and incisive reporter, but also a sweet, kind person. RIP. — John Daniel Davidson (@johnddavidson) December 28, 2018

We don't like dealing with death. And it's easier for us to push it aside when we can say of the one who's died "she lived a full life." But you can't say that about my friend @Bre_payton. She was 26. She had so much more to do, so many good works to give God and her neighbor. — Hans Fiene (@HansFiene) December 28, 2018

Ben and I are absolutely gutted and horrified by this news. Our prayers for @Bre_payton and her family. We are less without her – in every possible way. A wonderful, fearless, vibrant, intelligent young woman. Sending prayers to all of her family and friends during this darkness. https://t.co/K5nfRiB7gy — Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 28, 2018

I don't even remember which article it was. I just remember she thought it was worth taking the time to let me know I did something cool. — Georgi Boorman (@georgi_boorman) December 28, 2018

Writing through tears. Bre was the most beautiful soul to grace this world. She was loyal to her friends, faith, and convictions. I first met Bre when she was my intern years ago, and it has been a privilege to call her a dear friend. Heaven is brighter, but earth cries today. https://t.co/XASiJd2ima — Kathryn Watson (@kathrynw5) December 28, 2018

So sad to hear that @Bre_payton has suddenly passed. We took this photo after a @KMCRadio hit. She walked into the studio so confident and warm, I remember thinking I wanted to be more like her. Please pray for her family. pic.twitter.com/QYEUqzXBAk — Mandy Mayfield (@mandypmayfield) December 28, 2018

I cannot believe this. @Bre_payton was such a beautiful light, smart and funny and kind and talented. Please pray for her broken hearted loved ones, who are undoubtedly reeling. She was far too young. 🙏🏼💔 https://t.co/gLJbqIP8g9 — Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) December 28, 2018

Our deepest condolences to the family of @Bre_payton. Re-reading this fantastic peace in her honor. Rest in peace. ❤️ https://t.co/2CErOJx0FA — March for Life (@March_for_Life) December 28, 2018

This is terribly sad. So young, talented and full of life and promise, her life suddenly snuffed out. https://t.co/L9jLZ8Hzza — Brit Hume (@brithume) December 28, 2018

I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend @Bre_payton today. Exactly a year ago, she taught college students about journalism on a trip to Israel. Here’s a photo of her teaching at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. May you rest in the arms of your Creator, Bre pic.twitter.com/jut78NqLnn — Nicole Foy (@nicoleMfoy) December 28, 2018

Bre Payton was the kind of gal who, when grabbing a drink in Manhattan after a nighttime TV hit, would tell sweet stories about her loving parents. She was only just beginning. — Matt Welch (@MattWelch) December 28, 2018

I am so, so very sorry for you, for all who knew her, & for the world. Bre was interesting, sassy, unafraid to swim against the stream & I am stunned. I will miss her. I know well how little my words change anything, but I pray for comfort & strength & peace. — Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) December 28, 2018

I usually feel like Twitter RIPs are the worst but I want everyone to know @Bre_payton refused to let me go uncelebrated on my bday a few years ago. I hardly knew her at the time & yet she embraced me like a little sis to a big sis. She deserves our post humous love. I’m gutted. — Rikki Ratliff (@rikkiratliff) December 28, 2018

I know that Bre Payton is in Heaven. So I am not sad for her. I am sad for the rest of us – who lost a truly beautiful soul in a place with far too few. She will be dearly, painfully missed. Pray for her family, please. — Benny (@bennyjohnson) December 28, 2018