Friday afternoon, family, friends and anyone who has been touched by the death of ten-year-old Michaela Watkins gathered at the Church of the Living God in Winchester to say their last good-byes before she was laid to rest.
But her funeral couldn't have been possible without the outpouring of support from the community.
The support came in many ways and Lisa Watkins from the People's Exchange Bank was on the receiving end of most of it.
"I keep getting letters from all over town and even from Lexington," she said.
Those letters contain words of support and usually donations to ensure that the expenses associated with Watkins' funeral are paid for. Even with the many monetary donations, businesses around the area also stepped forward to offer their services for free. The casket, the vault, the plot, the headstone, and the flowers were all donated.
Any money left over will be used to set up a memorial or scholarship fund.
Michaela Watkins was found dead in her home on Sunday. Police have charged her father and step-mother with murder in connection with her death.
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