‘His life won’t be in vain’: Hundreds gather to honor George Floyd at NC memorial service

NORTH CAROLINA — Mourners are holding a private memorial service in George Floyd’s North Carolina hometown while the nation’s capital prepares for what is expected to be the city’s largest demonstration against police brutality yet.

The memorial service for Floyd was held Saturday in Raeford, North Carolina. The service included a public viewing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be followed by a private funeral.

North Carolina flags have been lowered to half-staff Saturday to honor the life of George Floyd. Floyd who was killed in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Memorial Day nearly two weeks ago.

Floyd was originally from Fayetteville. His death has sparked protests globally as people demanded justice and racial equality.

“The unjust killing of George Floyd combined with many other recent and distant events broke open painful wounds,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “Racism. Excessive use of police force. Health disparities. Poverty. White supremacy. These are wrong. They are ugly, but they are present. We must deal with them. We will deal with them. George Floyd’s sister, Bridgette, lives in Hoke County, North Carolina. While I cannot bring her brother back, I can work for justice in his name. I assured her that’s what we would do.”

Eyewitness News anchor Susanna Black saw hundreds of people lined up to enter the church for the memorial service.

Jasmine Maynor, of Raeford, is a first-time mom and was one of many who were moved after seeing Floyd's body as part of the public viewing.

“Just to see someone laying there lifeless, for no reason at all,” Maynor said. “He’s from here. He was born here. He has family here. It’s just really different. It hits home.”

Paul Anderson drove in from Raleigh for the service.

“I look at it like that it could have been me,” he said. “I love being black. I’m proud to be black, but it’s not about black or green or blue. The way the man died was just wrong -- flat out wrong.”

Nakia Almond said she has faith in a higher power and believes that is what led her to the service.

“This world will not be the same after 2020, God,” Almond said.

Floyd’s final memorial service and funeral will be Tuesday in Houston.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people marched in uptown for the ninth day in row. Watch the video below for coverage by reporter DaShawn Brown.

Hundreds march in uptown for ninth day in a row Hundreds march in uptown for ninth day in a row

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