A St. Louis mother laid all five of her children to rest after they lost their lives in an apartment fire.
The fire took place on August 6th at an apartment building located in the 500 block of 29th Street in East St. Louis, Illinois.
According to News Channel 6 ABC
The fire started after the mother of the five children went to pick up another adult from work, according to the East St. Louis Fire Department. (Reports are saying the adult was her boyfriend)
When she returned home, the mother tried to get the children out herself, but she was unsuccessful. The fire started at about 3:45 a.m. It is unclear if the building had working smoke alarms.
The fire is under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Illinois State Police Department.
“Our focus is on the family and we’re trying to find opportunities to assist them in getting through the tragedy,” Serenity Memorial Chapel Funeral Director Walter Taylor said.
Family and members of the Metro East community gathered at the Greater St. Marks Church of God and Christ to celebrate the lives of Deontay Davis, Jr., 9, twins Heaven and Nevaeh, 8, Jabari Johnson, 4, and Loyal Dunigan, 2.
“They’re a young family. Young children, they had a lot to live for,” Terry said.
Beautiful custom caskets were made for each child. The exterior represented them individually.
“These children were wonderful children. If you look at the caskets, each casket reflects their personal desires, the games they played with, the toys they liked, (and) the colors they were interested in. If you look at the casket, it’s really a glimpse of their young lives,” Terry said.
The tragedy has impacted the community, which says it will come together to support the grieving family in their time of need.
“East St. Louis has always been a one that will come together in a time of tragedy and uh I’m not surprised I’m just so thankful during a pandemic season we come together and support one another,” Pastor Mark Ratliff, Sr., said.
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Numb! Prayers up for this family, rest well babies.
