More than 2,500 people gathered in Wise County Tuesday night to light candles in memory of Athena Strand, the 7-year-old girl found murdered last week.
They came together at First Baptist Cottondale, the church that served as the hub for organizing volunteers to search for the little girl after she vanished a week ago.
The church says local businesses donated a stage and lighting for the "celebration of life" outside, and volunteers handed out 900 candles to those who had gathered. Several pictures of Strand were set up in front of the stage.
Pastor Charles Pugh says they received up to 100 letters of support for Strand's family from across the country.
The pastor says the line of cars approaching the church extended for miles. Numerous first responders' vehicles were parked side by side, some with their red-and-blue lights flashing and many fastened with pink balloons.
For the first time, Strand's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, spoke publicly during the service.
"I just want to keep her faith and her story alive because I want everyone to know Athena for Athena and not what someone made her out to be," Gandy said.
Strand's first grade teacher, Lindsey Thompson, said she would remember Strand's laugh, smile and sense of style.
"I now have 18 of my favorite six and seven year-olds who are sad and hurting because they no longer have a friend and classmate," Thompson said.
During the service, people yelled support as Gandy broke down. One said Strand is now in heaven.
"I know she is, and I hope she waits for me," Gandy replied. "Thank you all, and please, I don't care if it's five years from now, ten years from now, 20 years from now, please remember Athena Strand."
The suspect in the case has been arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and capital murder. The Wise County sheriff says the man confessed to the murder. A judge has sealed court documents related to the case to give the family and community time to process what happened.
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