A memorial service was held this past Sunday, August 30, in Aiken to honor Javeayah Harris, nearly two months after she was falsely reported missing and later confirmed deceased. The service, organized with the help of Aiken City Councilwoman Gail Bush Diggs, provided an opportunity for the community to mourn and show support for the family.
Councilwoman Diggs became involved after attending a vigil downtown, which drew over 100 people. She noted the community’s compassion and care during that initial gathering, where songs were sung and parents expressed their feelings. Following the vigil, Simmons Funeral Home in Williston offered to provide funeral services free of charge to the family.
The family initially needed time to decide on a service, but after numerous vigils across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and public inquiries, they agreed to a memorial. Councilwoman Diggs helped secure Millbrook Baptist Church on South Aiken Boulevard as the venue, describing it as a beautiful facility for a beautiful child. The service began at 1:30 p.m. and welcomed all attendees, who were asked to wear pink.
The focus of the memorial was solely on Javeayah, with Councilwoman Diggs emphasizing that it was not intended to accuse anyone of wrongdoing or assign blame. The hope was to bring comfort to the community, especially the family, during their long journey of mourning. Councilwoman Diggs, a grandmother herself, expressed understanding of the preciousness of a child Javeayah’s age, stating that the four-year-old was too precious for Earth and is now resting in heaven.
Attendees were asked to be mindful of the family’s grief, to be kind and considerate, and to allow the family to experience the service peacefully without engaging them in conversations. The event was a collective expression of love and a call for prayer for the family, friends, law enforcement, and volunteers, with a hope for the community to find a way to forgive.
