Vehicles packed the parking lot at Greater Coleman Temple.
Mourners spilled out the door. Music filled the air inside and out.
"Sad occasion. My heart goes out to the family," says Beverly Cain as she headed into the funeral service. She worked at one of the schools Tamaris Steward Jr. Attended.
Mourners gathered together to unite, to share sorrow, and to reflect.
The congregation sang "What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms."
They sang inspiration, celebrating a life, hoping for change.
The crowd also sang "How great is our God."
Tamaris Steward Jr., also known as T.J., was a 6th grader at Carrollton Schools.
He was active in sports, a vibrant personality, killed in a barrage of rifle bullets last week while he slept at his grandfather's house.
The community says, it makes no sense.
Mourner Tommy McCune says, "I'm just here to show some support for what's going on with the community. It doesn't make sense, these kids should be safe in our communities. What's going on?"
"Life hadn't begun for him," says Cain fighting back tears.
Mourners resolved to never stop praying, never stop praising, in hopes of never seeing this again.
Donations to the Tamaris Steward family can be made at Lake Huron Credit Union, Saginaw Community Foundation, and the principal's office at Carrollton Middle School.
