Funeral held for victims of the deadly motel fire

NOW: Funeral held for victims of the deadly motel fire
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BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The victims of a tragic motel fire in Sodus Township will finally be laid to rest.

Two weeks ago a deadly fire broke out at the Cosmo Extended Stay Motel.

The fire claimed the lives of 26-year-old Kiarre Curtis and her five children.

Family and friends gathered inside of the Greater Community Christian Fellowship Church to celebrate and remember the lives of the victims who died during the tragic fire at the Cosmo Extended Stay Motel.

The tragedy in Berrien County came to a close Saturday morning.

At 10:00 a.m. family and friends said goodbye to 26-year-old Kiarre Curtis, 10-year-old Marquis Thomas, 7-year-old Gerome Randolph, 5-year-old Samuel, 4-year-old Savod and 2-year-old Avery at the Church.

"Our heart and our prayers really go out to them," said Pastor Nathaniel Wells.

Nathaniel Wells is the lead pastor at Greater Community Fellowship Christian Church in Benton Harbor and the man laying the young mother and her children to rest.

"This has been very devastating and I don't think I know of anyone that wouldn't be moved or touched by what has been taking place in our community," Wells adds.

Pastor Wells knew Kiarre as a young girl. "We used to call her Keke," said Wells but he never imagined that young girl would become the victim of a horrific fire.

"A wife, five children, a husband, and a 1-year-old baby who are left behind. You know that's hurtful, you know that's really hurtful."

Pastor Wells says through this tragedy, the community support like the thousands of dollars raised to cover funeral costs and the clothing donated to help Kiarre's surviving husband and daughter, show hope that the family and friends of these victims will rise above the ashes.

"When you see the need, there should automatically be a reaction because if God lives in us, the response should come out as a flow of love. That's what we have seen take place here in our community. People just being moved by that compassion, by that love, and wanting to make a difference, and trying to help," Wells said.



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