Updated article
Crowd gathers to say goodbye to Mariah Woods
A cold, windy, persistent drizzle failed to deter mourners from saying goodbye to Mariah Kay Woods.
Even before the planned 4 p.m. start of Wednesdays two-hour public visitation, people began arriving to the Jones Funeral Home on Chaney Avenue. They arrived alone, as couples or entire families many with somber expressions on their faces. Most exited the home sobbing or crying, walking hastily back to their parked vehicles.
Sanae Hensey arrived early. Upon her exit, she wept holding an umbrella in one hand and a tissue in the other. Beating her softly on her chest, she said, There was too much emotion in there. It is unspeakable.
Mariahs father, Alex Woods, arrived at 4:10 p.m. surrounded by a small entourage of family and close friends entering the funeral home without comment.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller entered the building at 4 p.m. where he remained until 4:35 p.m.
Were grieving with Mariahs family. We in the community and in law enforcement consider her to be one of our own. She is no longer with us but we all still love her, Miller said.
Miller remained near the entrance to the home where several mourners expressed their thanks to his personnel for trying to find Mariah.
A tearful Angela Swift clutched Millers hand and thanked him for his effort in the search.
I thanked him for all the work he and his department did in trying to find Mariah, Swift said.
Richlands resident Bonnie Roman, who aided in the search for the missing 3-year-old last week, arranged for the flowers displayed on and along Mariahs small, white closed casket.
On Monday, I contacted Blooms and Blessings in Richlands and Cornerstone Florists in Beulaville, Roman said. We arranged everything (Tuesday) and they provided the flowers at no cost.
Rebecca Crooks, who also helped in several searches for young Mariah, said the visitation ran the gamut of emotions.
Its bittersweet, Crooks said. Theres a lot of sadness but because shes not hurting anymore, I feel shes safe.
Crooks said Mariahs viewing room had so many flowers, lots of flowers with lots of unicorns.
As well-wishers, friends and strangers who until last week did not know the little girl who lived on Dawson Cabin Road but developed a fondness for the innocent soul over the last nine days, continued to arrive to pay their respects, Ashley Kaldens exited with her two small boys and her friend, Kiara Warrington.
Kaldens, like many other parents in the community, were confronted daily by their inquisitive children on the status of the missing girl.
They both wanted to help in the search. Each day they would ask, mommy, mommy did they find her? Kaldens said. Its sad. I just pray for her little brothers. They need someone to keep them happy and to always remember their sister.
http://www.jdnews.com/news/20171206/crowd-gathers-to-say-goodbye-to-mariah-woods