BUFFALO, N.Y. — Friends and family filled Elim Christian Fellowship Church in Buffalo Wednesday to pay their respects and say their final farewell to Pearl Young, one of 10 victims killed in the mass shooting at Tops earlier this month.
Young is being remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, praiser and missionary.
It was a service and celebration and life officiated by Pastor Andre Clark, filled with song, scripture, stories, tears and even a few lighthearted moments as well, as the congregation remembered happy moments too.
Pastor Geoffrey Hord delivered the prayer of comfort to the family.
Young's grandson spoke and remembered the good times shared with his grandmother, watching TV, eating good food and spending time together.
Friends from Connecticut, family from Alabama and elected leaders also spoke and offered their support to the family.
Sen. Tim Kennedy made a special presentation to the family as well.
Young taught Sunday school and was also a substitute teacher for Buffalo Public Schools. The interim BPS superintendent spoke to the family and presented a letter of bereavement on behalf of the school family to their "Miss Pearl."
She also worked for Erie County and ran a food pantry in the Central Park neighborhood for 25 years and was a member of the Good Samaritan Church of God in Christ, where bishops representing the leadership also spoke.
Bishop Glenwood Young Sr., Young’s brother-in-law, delivered the eulogy, where he called on Congress to act and stop the violence in wake of the Tops shooting and the one in Texas.
He also described Young as someone who loved to dance and praise God.
It’s a legacy all say will live on forever and one her family can be proud of.
“Just as a kind woman of God, that just loved people,” said family member Aeisha Robertson. “Loved children. Loved the world. Loved everybody.”
Young leaves behind three children and a large family.
She was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Additional funerals for the remaining victims of the shooting are set to take place Friday and Saturday.