Thousands gather at funeral for Shaniya Davis

Thousands of people gathered in Fayetteville Sunday night to say their final goodbyes to Shaniya Davis.

By: Justin Moss | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: November 23, 2009

Thousands of people gathered in Fayetteville Sunday night to say their final goodbyes to Shaniya Davis.
After a week-long search, authorities found Shaniya's body in a wooded area near Sanford last Monday.
As pictures of Shaniya Davis looked out over the crowd, family members paid tribute to her through their words.
Her aunt, Carey Lockhart-Davis, read a poem she wrote, called "My life with Shaniya."
"I truly know now that I have been blessed, some things are so special, I felt your love the best," said Lockhart-Davis.
The 90-minute service wasn't all tears, but at times, a celebration of Shaniya's short life.
“The spirit of Shaniya has filled the room to the point where you felt like when you looked on TV you knew her, like she was a part of your family," said Pastor Brian Thompson.
To everyone's surprise, her father, Bradley Lockhart, also had something to say.
Fighting back tears, he told the crowd his daughter was taken for a reason.
“God has spoken, he's spoken to us through tragedy and it brings us here today to unite as one," said Bradley Lockhart. "Daddy loves you honey, I know you'll be waiting for me and I'll see you when I get there."
The man charged in her death, Mario McNeill remains in central prison. He's charged with murder and sexual assault. His next court appearance is December 9th.
Shaniya's mother, Antoinette Davis, also remains in jail in Cumberland County.
She is charged with human trafficking involving prostitution.