Jul 3, 2009 6:00 pm US/Central
Sad Day For 2 Families As Young Girls Laid To Rest
Jada Justice and Chastity Turner Laid To Rest Friday
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Jada Justice and Chastity Turner were laid to rest July 3. Justice was found beaten to death last month in Indiana and nine-year-old Turner was shot to death last week outside her Englewood home.
CBS
It was a somber day for two families, 30 miles apart, but facing the same sadness.
Funerals were held Friday for 9-year-old Chastity Turner and 2-year-old Jada Justice. CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports on the final goodbyes to the young girls.
Both crimes sent shockwaves through two different communities in two different states.
Friday, two young girls were celebrated in what their families called their home-going celebrations. Evan as many felt, they were called home far too soon.
In a funeral home on Chicago's South Side and in a cemetery field in Portage, Ind., tears were flowing freely Friday as loved ones gathered to remember innocent lives lost – Justice beaten to death last month in Indiana and Turner shot to death last week outside her Englewood home.
Friday, those Turner left behind surrounded her for a final goodbye before her casket was closed forever. LaKesha Jones paid tribute to Turner in song.
After she finished, Jones was helped into the arms of Chastity's mom as two women leaned on one another united by their mutually broken hearts.
Across the border in Portage, a similar scene as loved ones offered support to Justice's dad. The little girl known as JJ was remembered in rhyme for her infectious smile and generous spirit.
The two sisters Justice was forced to leave behind could barely be seen over the podium but their heart wrenching message was clear.
At both funerals, the talk was of celebrating lives well lived. But one look at the faces of those in attendance this holiday weekend clearly showed that for many this year's Fourth of July celebrations will be tempered by the absence of two little girls.
One of the speakers at Justice's funeral was Ericka Barnes, the mother of Mya Lyons.
She's the 9-year-old girl stabbed to death in Chicago last July. Barnes didn't know either of Jada's parents, but said she felt compelled to let them know that they can and will make it through this real-life nightmare.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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