KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The tragic deaths of three children in a fire brought hundreds of people together for prayer and consolation outside the Interfaith Homes Wednesday.
“Father in the name of Jesus, we come to you as we humbly know how,” a pastor prayed.
Some people didn’t even know the victims lost in a fire Monday. Three-year-old twins Tevin and Taniyah Williams and their one-year-old sister Tyonna Henderson lost their lives in the fire.
Community members offered support to their mother, 25-year-old Jonetta Woods.
Church leaders said it’s not just a time of mourning, but it’s also a time for others to give thanks for what they have.
“You knew as well as I did that it could have been your home. It could have been your children” said Strick Strickland, pastor of Second Baptist Church. “But God has spared us. He’s given us this great opportunity to enjoy this thing that we call life.”
FOX 17 spoke with city commissioner Stephanie Moore who has been by the victim’s side since day one. She urged the public to show compassion. “I just want to say that this has been a really traumatic experience. She’s a young mother, she’s a woman,” Moore said.
“She has feelings and emotions, and so I hope that the community doesn’t just jump to conclusions and judge her, but really embrace. When then happen in our community, we unite and we stick together.”
FOX 17 reached out to Jonetta Woods. We’re told she’s trying to heal and is dealing with the tragedy the best she can.
