There
was a large outpouring of support Monday night for the family of Payton
Thompson – the 9-year-old girl killed when her family's home in
Brownsville caught fire earlier this month.
The
home, located on Howard Avenue, went up in flames on Jan. 13, and eight
family members were saved. The
intense conditions on the second floor
of the house prevented firefighters from getting to the child in time.
A
funeral service celebrated her life at Pleasant Grove Tabernacle where
1,200 people wore hints of pink, Payton’s favorite color.
Family
members say she was full of energy and known for her contagious smile.
The Thompson family is well-known in the community with multiple family
members being local pastors.
Church
officials say they are grateful to be there for a family who has done
so much and to provide them with support moving forward.
A GoFundMe campaign is raising money for her funeral expenses and for the family’s search for a new home.