TobyMac remembers Mandisa after Christian singer's death, 'I know her battle is over ...'

Many in the Christian music industry and beyond have posted on social media to celebrate the life of and mourn the loss of singer Mandisa Hundley who was found dead last week at the age of 47.

Amy Grant said in an Instagram post that "Mandisa's smile was like turning on sunshine." Matthew West said he will "always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting awards shows, going on tour and most of all helping tell her story in the songwriting room."

But few worked as closely with Mandisa as friend and frequent collaborator TobyMac (Toby McKeehan), who posted over the weekend that we "lost a beautiful soul."

McKeehan and Hundley collaborated on songs such as "Lose My Soul," "Good Mornin'" and "Bleed the Same."

"I have never met an artist who is more encouraging and supportive to other artists than Mandisa," McKeehan said on social media

"She was honest and authentic but I always left her side feeling better. She watched every act, every night on every tour singing along with a smile that made you feel alive... I was honored to call her friend. She was honest about her struggles and viewed her breakthroughs as an opportunity to let others know that they can experience victories just like her. She saw us as a family. God’s family. In all our diversity. All flawed. And all in need of the love of a Good Father, a Heavenly Father. I know her battle is over but I will always treasure her memory and that smile and infectious laugh that I had the pleasure of experiencing."

Hundley was found dead in her Franklin home on April 18. An active death investigation is underway by the Franklin Police Department.

After growing up in California, Hundley attended Fisk University in Nashville and was a member of the famed Fisk University Jubilee singers. She graduated from Fisk in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in music, according to the university.

In 2005, Hundley auditioned for "American Idol" in Chicago, where she went on to finish in the final nine.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mandisa death: TobyMac honors singer. 'I know her battle is over'