White City Oregon

Yashanee Vaughn funeral celebrates her life, calls for end of violence in Portland

Police think Vaughn was killed March 19. Her body was found  after her accused killer, Parrish Bennette Jr., told police where to look. Bennette, 16, faces charges of murder with a firearm and first-degree manslaughter. He's accused of beating and shooting Vaughn in the bedroom of the Northeast Russell Street house he shared with his father.

The friends and family who spoke about Vaughn also praised her family for their strength and tenacity during the  time Vaughn was missing. The family was aided by a large community of support. "They've been with me since day one," Vaughn's mother, Shaquita Louis, said.

In the midst of the tribute to Vaughn's life the service was also a call to end violence in the Portland area, even as parole officers roamed the lobby and police stood guard outside.

"There are some things, black folks, that we used to say, 'Not in our community,' but now we've got to deal with because we've got some sick folks in our community," said Elder Elmer Yarborough of Trinity Full Gospel Church during his eulogy.

The family has been in the news often since Vaughn went missing. Family friend Ionka Martin credits the power of a group of women, joining her on stage during the eulogy, who crusaded to keep Vaughn's face in the public eye until her body was found.

"Fifteen angry women, we did it," Martin said.

Michelle Bart , the family's spokeswoman and a S oroptimist , part of a group that advocates for women's issues, called on the church to work to end violence within the city. "I encourage you to continue to have that voice for Yashanee," Bart said. "Because the fight's not over. But it doesn't need to be a fight. You carry your voice, stand up for what's right. Be a voice for all, all of our children."

And for Louis, the funeral is not the end of her struggles. Bennette is still in jail awaiting trial.

The service "brought the beginning of the closure," she said afterward, surrounded by teary funeral-goers taking turns to hug her. "There's still more to come."

-- Molly Harbarger : 593-294-5923

"The family and clergy wore splashes of bright red mixed with the funeral garb of black and white, to match the ribbons bearing Vaughn's name pinned to friends and family's lapels and draped over her casket. From the memories shared of Vaughn, the striking red seemed to represent her personality.

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