In Charleston, hundreds of people attended the funeral of Ethel Lance, who was among the nine black victims who were shot dead during a bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. As mourners grieve their loss, statements from the suspect, Dylann Roof's party were held for now.
Time reported that Lance was the first victim to be honored at her burial at Emanuel AME Church Cemetery on Thursday. The 70-year-old served as a sexton at the historical African-American church for five years, and will always be remembered by her "infectious smile."
"When it was time for the ushers to usher, she had the usher strut," said Rev. Norvel Goff, the church's interim leader. "When sister Lance praised the Lord, you had to strap on your spiritual seat belt."
A choir with a live band consisting of organ, drums and bass guitar players led the funeral attendees in singing Lance's favorite gospel songs, as mourners rose from their seats and sang to songs of praise in spiritual high.
"I want my grandmother's legacy to be what she stood for," said Lance's granddaughter, Aja Risher. "She is going to be a catalyst for change in this country."
Lance was a mother of five, a grandmother of seven, and a great-grandmother of four.
On Thursday afternoon services for 45-year-old Rev. Sheronda Coleman-Singleton were also held. Funerals for other victims, Rev. Daniel Simmons, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lance, Tywanza Sanders, Cynthia Hurd, and Susie Jackson are scheduled next week. Church pastor and South Carolina senator, Clementa Pickney's funeral service is set on Friday.
"We feel it would be inappropriate to say anything at this time other than that we are truly sorry for their loss," said Dylan Roof's attorney, Boyd Young.
Young, who represents Roof's family, stated that they will answer questions from news reporters after the families of the victims were given time to deeply grieve their deaths.
