Thousands of people gathered as the late Athena Strand lay in her final rest. They occupied the lawn of First Baptist Church of Cottondale, the second home of the 7-year-old. Strand left lifetime memories with many people, including the church pastor.
First Baptist Church of Cottondale opened its doors under the leadership of Bro. Dub Turner. Family and friends talked about Athena Strand during the memorial. Her mother, Maitlyn Presley Gandy, spoke with people who attended.
Pastors of First Baptist Church of Cottondale prayed for Strand and those grieving people. First Baptist Church of Cottondale opened its doors under the leadership of Bro. Dub Turner.
According to an article published by The Dallas Morning News, many people adored the child. Mourners dressed in pink shirts. They also carried stuffed teddy bears and unicorns as a tribute to Athena Strand.
Stays Strong
Maitlyn Presley Gandy holds onto her faith as her daughter transitions into the afterlife. She said she stays strong to survive the memories of Athena Strand left in this world. Gandy repeatedly said her daughter was only a child. She asked people who attended the funeral not to forget Athena Strand.
Several people brought pictures of Athena Strand. The images showed her unforgettable moments, including when she was in pajamas for Christmas. Lindsey Thompson, her first-grade teacher, said Strand was a gifted child. She loved to make people smile by giving them presents.
Case of Athena Strand
Athena Strand went missing for a couple of days. It alarmed the community. Community leaders teamed up to find her. The tireless search ended earlier this month. 6 ABC reported the suspect is 31-year-old Tanner Lynn Horner. Horner is a delivery man for FedEx.
Authorities held Tanner Lynn Horner in Wise County jail. They charged him with aggravated kidnapping charges and capital murder.
Confession of Tanner Lynn Horner
According to an arrest warrant, Horner told authorities that he strangled Strand after accidentally hitting her with his van while making a delivery at her home. He said he panicked and put her in his van.
He told the police that she was talking to him and told him her name before he strangled her. The warrant said Horner told investigators he did it because she planned to tell her father about the accident.
Prayers of Pastors of First Baptist Church of Cottondale
The adjunct pastor of First Baptist Church of Cottondale, Phil Erickson, was among the church leaders who prayed for Athena Strand. He said God chose the child to be with Him in His Kingdom. Jesus embraced Athena Strand since she left this world, Pastor Erickson added.
The tragedy of Athena Strand raised the protection of parents for their children. The community will never be similar to before. Kyla Rigsbee, from Decatur, said the tragedy impacted the lives of many parents and children.
Last week, in a statement to CNN, FedEx expressed its sympathies and directed further questions to law enforcement. We are shocked and saddened by the reports surrounding this tragic event. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
