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(AP Photo/National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)
The funeral for Shaniya Nicole Davis took place yesterday afternoon at the Manna Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. More than a thousand mourners united together to say good-bye and show their respects to Shaniya and while it was a heartbreaking occasion, it was also a touching celebration of life, love, and forgiveness.
Bradley Lockhart, Shaniya’s father, has shown a strength, grace, faith and forgiveness that one rarely sees at a time of such horrendous and profound loss. Mr. Lockhart had not planned to speak at Shaniya’s service yesterday, but he did and his words were incredible to hear.
“God is good, but we can say God is good with open hearts. But God has spoken, he has spoken to us through a tragedy and it brings us here today to unite as one. But let’s not leave it in this house right here; let’s take it back out there in the community, for these things that people do not know no better, people that cannot control themselves, don’t understand, need help and don’t know how to find help. We need to put it back out in their hands to prevent things like this."
"So don’t let God’s words and don’t let his actions bring you all down because, he did this for a reason. He’s grabbed a hold of my heart and Lord knows he’s good to me.”
Then, Mr. Lockhart placed his hand lovingly on Shaniya’s coffin as said, “…Daddy loves you honey and I know you’re going to be waiting for me. I’ll see you when I get there.”
The Reverend Brian Thomas spoke elegantly about people putting aside their differences and uniting for a common reason, all because of the life and Death of Shaniya Davis. Reverend Thomas urged the community to continue to work together for a common purpose regardless of religion, race or any other factor that normally separates people.
Reverend Thomas said, “Shaniya Davis was only 5-years-old, but today she brought together thousands”
Shaniya’s send off was a beautiful, touching service that reinforced a belief in a better place for children who are stolen from this life, far too soon.
This service makes it possible to close your eyes and see Shaniya laughing and playing in a place of eternal light and love.
You may watch Shaniya Davis’ funeral at WRAL.com
A memorial fund has been created in the name of Shaniya Nicole Davis at the Wachovia Bank located at:
4200 Morganton Road,
Fayetteville, NC 28314
Fayetteville, NC 28314
www.wachovia.com
(910) 868-0837
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