Hundreds of family members, friends and community residents attended the funeral of a tiny boy on Sunday - a sweet, funny 4-year-old named Kyrie Henry.
A Greendale Elementary School student, Kyrie was killed in a school bus accident on Wednesday. Even those who had never met Kyrie had seen family pictures and heard from many people about his vivid smile and giggling laugh. He loved hugs, eager to give as well as receive them.
"He opened doors to us from our hearts," said an aunt, Carol Williams.
At the service at New Beginnings Ministries, Bishop Hezikiah Pressley Jr. presented the eulogy. Ministers Bessie Graham and Crystal Graham-Baker provided solos.
The son of Lisa Taylor-Henry and Darren Henry, Kyrie was known throughout Greendale. His teacher, Becca White and his speech therapist, Dana Stevens, spoke emotionally about their love for Kyrie and the impact he had on their lives. They described his joyful spirit and said that "his memory always will be with us."
The service was attended by School District Superintendent Dr. Beth Everitt, School Board member Levi Green and three Aiken County legislators - Sen. Tom Young and Reps. Don Wells and Bill Hixon.
"There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the community," Green said. He cited the support as well from Greendale Principal Sonya Colvin and her faculty and staff.