MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) – The media were not allowed inside a community gathering for Heather-Palumbo Jones. But outside St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, a few reflected on the dedicated teacher, parishioner, and mother.
"It was very crowded," said fellow parishioner Julie Byrd. "Actually it was a little more crowded than it normally is for a church service."
Byrd said that spoke volumes.
"It says that she was a loved individual," said Byrd.
Palumbo-Jones herself attended the church which is located just up Poplar Avenue from the Shelby County Jail. That's where her estranged husband Chris Jones now sits. He's charged with 2nd Degree Murder.
"It's tragic, but Heather was a beautiful individual and her memory will live on," said Byrd.
We also heard from the immediate family of Palumbo-Jones.
"As we grieve the loss of our daughter, friend, and mother, we are amazed by the love and support of so many individuals," said a statement released by a family attorney. "Heather was a woman full of love and light, and her impact is profoundly felt through the many lives she touched."
Among them are the young lives at Frayser Achievement School for whom uniforms will be collected in conjunction with a memorial service scheduled for Sunday. It will also take place at St. Mary's Cathedral. There's also a charity fund for Palumbo-Jones' children at any Regions Bank location.
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