GASTONIA, N.C. — Family and friends gathered Sunday night to pray at a candlelight service for 7-year-old Gabrielle Jones, whose life was taken too soon.
"Some pills are too big to swallow, this pill -- it's one you can't swallow," Gabby Jones' great uncle, Timmy Jones said.
Dozens came to mourn Gabby's life at Camp Green Park. Seven candles were lit during the service, representing the light she was to so many people.
"All kids are so precious when they're young, but Gabby was actually like an angel in the flesh walking here on earth," Timmy Jones said.
"Gabby is full of life," family friend, Angelica Sanders said.
Gastonia police say Jones was shot at a home on Ware Avenue and that it happened during the filming of a rap music video. Jones was taken to the hospital where she later died. Her uncle, 30-year-old Jeremy Lewis is facing charges.
"I hope it's a wake-up call to our community, to our country that we have got to do something about guns," Mothers of Murdered Offspring, Lisa Crawford.
As the community continues to lose more young lives, community activists say now is the time for change, so another family doesn't have to mourn too soon.
"Guns are too readily available, too easily accessible, and what we're finding out is the youngest the most innocent are being the victims," Crawford said.
While the family knows there is no prayer that will bring Gabby back, her family is choosing to cherish the 7 years they had with her.
"Gabby would want all of us to go ahead and get along with our life until we see her again because she's in a better place," Timmy Jones said.
During the service, the mother spoke saying she was thankful for the community's love and support.
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WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
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