Saturday afternoon Sonja Marie Smith was laid to rest at Shady Grove Assembly of God church in Coffee Springs.

She was the first of 10 people who died in last Tuesday’s tragic shooting spree that began in Samson and ended in Geneva.

"Its like you are going to lie down, close your eyes, open them and there she'll be" says Wade Smith Sonja's Husband

A trip to the big little continence store in Samson turned deadly for Sonja Smith when Michael McClendon shot her and 9 others before taking his own life.

Saturday, Sonja’s funeral was the first, and friends and family said goodbye, they believe they were doing it too soon.

"It was uncalled for, none of it needed to happen, why didn't he just take his own life and leave all these other families alone?" says Mr. Smith.

"Bad choice of a young man, this not only affected him, but others in a bad way" says Jimmy Eddins, Minister of First Assembly in Samson.

More than 100 people packed the tiny church in coffee springs, some even making the drive from Fort Walton Beach to with an old friend farewell.

"I grew up with Sonja all the way through grade school. She was a beautiful person, and a great friend we are going to miss her so much" says Charlotte Jenkins, Friend of Sonja's.

"Her grandmother lived across the street from me growing up, we were good friends and bicycle buddies" says Dianne Godfrey, Friend of Sonja's.

Meanwhile, a vigil was held at Fowler Park in Geneva to honor all those that lost their lives last Tuesday.
It was put on by area church leaders.

"Our whole county has been impacted by this tragedy, and there is a pole that is hanging over our County and City, like we have just had a huge death in our family and in essence, that's what it is" says Dr. Mike Shirah, Maple Avenue Baptist Church

Despite the rain, dozens went to the park to pray for the victims, and some think the weather was a sign.

"I kind of look at like my wife is crying down from heaven on everybody."