The Watkins will say farewell to their precious Jonylah early next week.
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Jonylah Watkins will be laid to rest on Tuesday at a South Side Chicago church, the same neighborhood the 6-month-old and her father were bombarded with gunshots recently.
Rev. Corey Brooks, the Watkins’ spokesman, has informed the Associated Press and others that the wake is scheduled for 10AM and will be followed by Konylah’s funeral at New Beginnings Church in Woodlawn.
The funeral director at Leak and Sons, Spencer Leak, told DNAinfo Chicago that Jonylah’s death is “the worst case he’s seen in his 20 years in the business.”
“It’s just heartbreaking. I have a grandchild a little older, so it really broke my heart,” Leaks continued. “I feel for the family- these are just little tiny innocents.”
Leak had to special order Jonylah’s three-foot casket. In order for the family to have an open casket service, the baby’s body requires special preparation to conceal the terrible gun shot wounds. He was incredibly touched by the story of Jonylah’s death and has volunteered his service, free of charge.
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Jonylah’s mother, 19-year old Judy, had to endure the heart wrenching act of identifying her little girl’s “bullet-torn” body at the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The grieving mother told the Chicago Sun-Times it was a “painful but necessary formality.”
As the arrangements for Jonylah are set in motion, her father, 29-year-old Jonathan Watkins, is still recovering at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he is reportedly cooperating with the police in hopes of bringing the shooter to justice.
Police are investigating possible motives for the shooting. It is reportedly believed that the shooter “obviously targeted” the father. A possible threat made on the Watkin’s family via Facebook is included in the investigation.
Jonathan has been connected to gang affiliation and crime but tells authorities that his evolvement in gang life is a thing of the past.
The people of Chicago have been very supportive of the family and friends of Jonylah. A vigil was held in her honor and community members passed out flyers to inform the public that Jonylah’s shooter was still on the loose.
This story is too familiar to the people of Chicago. We hope that the shooter is brought to justice and the people of Chicago can be freed from violence.
SOURCE: Huffington Post
