Somer Thompson Laid to Rest

ORANGE PARK, FL -- About 75 people waited outside Jacksonville Memory Gardens cemetery for Somer Thompson's funeral procession to arrive, which it did around 12:30.

Just before 12:20, police started blocking off the streets around  Wells and Blanding, and Kingsley and Blanding so that they could only be accessed by the funeral procession. 

Near the cemetery, people lined both sides of Blanding, holding purple balloons to show their support. Workers at the cemetery stopped each vehicle entering the property to preserve the privacy of the Thompson family. 

Eight days after Somer vanished on the way home from school, family and friends gathered at First Baptist Church-Orange Park on Kingsley Avenue for the 7-year-old's funeral.

A memorial service was open to the public and started at 11 a.m. The burial is private.

Pastor David Tarkington's service was a celebration of the 7-year-old's life. He is delivered the sermon and spoke directly to the family about their pain while delivering a spiritual message.

There were traditional hymns, as well as "You Are My Sunshine," selected because it was Somer's favorite.

Although the Thompson family is not a member of the church, First Baptist has been close to the tragedy because they partner with Grove Park Elementary School. The church spearheaded a lot of volunteer efforts in the past week, and can better handle the crowds expected.

After the service at First Baptist, Somer's body was driven west on Kingsley Avenue, then north on Blanding Boulevard to Jacksonville Memory Gardens.

Hundreds attended Thompson's visitation Monday at the church. The 7-year-old girl vanished eight days ago during her walk home from school. Detectives found her body Wednesday at a landfill in Georgia.

ARRANGEMENTS:

Visitation:
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday
Orange Park First Baptist Church
1140 Kingsley Ave.
(904) 264-2351
Open to the public

Memorial:
11 a.m., Tuesday
Orange Park First Baptist Church
1140 Kingsley Ave.
(904) 264-2351
Open to the public

Graveside Service and Burial:
Immediately after memorial, Tuesday
Jacksonville Memory Gardens
111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park
Procession from Kingsley to Blanding to cemetery
No access to public

Reception:
Immediately following burial
Tuesday
Orange Park First Baptist Church
1140 Kingsley Ave.
No access to public

If you have any information that could help investigators, all 911, or call 1-877-227-6911 or 1-866-845-TIPS. You also can email cart@claysheriff.com.  

TO HELP AND RELATED EVENTS:

• There is an account at Vystar Credit Union for donations.  The account number is 0702794000.
• A free one-hour seminar for children to promote safety while trick-or-treating will be offered at 6 p.m. Oct 27, 28 and 29 at Champion Martial Arts & Fitness, 11570 San Jose Blvd. #7. 
• A motorcycle-ride fundraiser at 11 a.m. Nov. 8, starting at Love to Ride, 3275-3 Hwy. 17 N., Green Cove Springs. The cost is $10 per person.
• A candlelight vigil for Somer will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in front of the Charlton County Courthouse, 100 Third St.,  Folkston.

REWARD

• The Justice Coalition has set up an account for donations to a reward fund for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the murder of Somer. If you want to donate, go to Ameris Bank at 888 Lane Ave., or at 4835 Town Center Parkway, both in Jacksonville, and give account number 3123504437. Donors can also call the Justice Coalition at 904-783-6312. The reward stands right now at $35,000.
• CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for an arrest also; to donate to that fund, call 866-845-TIPS.

To read the incident report in the Somer Thompson case, CLICK HERE.

To participate in a discussion about Somer on Moms Like Me, CLICK HERE.

FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE, CLICK HERE.

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