“She was an amazing girl,” Stauffer told the mourners, who included Mayor John Cooper and Police Chief John Drake.
The attendees, who packed the church less than 3 miles from the site of the attack, arrived dressed in spring colors as a tribute to the spirit of the boy. A spectrum of pinks, blues, and greens filled the venue and overflow areas. Many wiped away tears in tears as children held stuffed animals given away by the church in Evelyn’s memory.
The shooting killed three students and three adults. In addition to Evelyn, authorities identified the victims as Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, both 9 years old; school principal Katherine Koonce, 60; substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; and school janitor Mike Hill, 61.
The horrific act of violence was committed by a former Covenant student who was shot dead by officers when the suspect opened fire on arriving law enforcement, authorities said. A reason has not yet been made public.
Stauffer thanked the police and first responders and said: “You are all amazing. Thank you for all you do for our city.»
The recognition was received with loud and sustained applause.
in a published obituary In the Tennessee, the 9-year-old’s family described Evelyn as «strong but never pushy,» with a composure of her own beyond her years.
She also loved music.
«Whether she was singing her favorite songs (especially from her well-played Hamilton or Taylor Swift albums) or composing her own songs on piano, guitar or ukulele, Evelyn had a wonderful sensitivity for music. Her voice was angelic. ,» says his obituary.
Evelyn’s uncle, Jeff Dieckhaus, said during the service that his niece was «the shining light of our family» and that she was «always happy, always smiling.»
“He had the courage of a tiger and a spirit that far exceeded his 9-year-old body,” he said.
The most important thing to Evelyn was her family, she said. She also loved babies, animals and nature, she said.
She was also known as a «doting little sister» to Eleanor, her uncle said: The two were almost always connected: they played together, snuggled and held hands as they walked.
They were «each other’s biggest fans,» Dieckhaus said. «Deep down, they were the best of friends and they loved each other very much.»
At the service, Dieckhaus shared some words from Evelyn’s older sister.
“Evelyn was fun, caring and very knowledgeable. She was the best thing that ever happened to me.»
Earlier in the week, Evelyn’s older sister cried at a church vigil and was heard tearfully saying, «I don’t want to be an only child.» The Tennessee reported.
With services for other victims scheduled for the weekend and next week, it was clear the attack had left the community distraught and stunned.
Stauffer, the pastor, tried to dispel the darkness in the community.
“We are here to celebrate Evelyn’s life, who she was, the way she loved,” he told worshipers and mourners. “His death of hers is tragic, but she will not be in vain. Faith, hope and love will help us get through this moment.
«Evelyn has left a glow throughout our community.»
Daniella Silva reported from Nashville. Elizabeth Chuck of New York. Dennis Romero from California.