A city still raw with grief found a way to say goodbye, and the farewell they gave these eight children was one that nobody who was there will ever forget.Jayla Elkins, Shayla Elkins, Kayla Pugh, Layla Pugh, Mar’Kaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, and Braylon Snow were laid to rest on May 9, 2026, at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.They lost their lives in the most horrible way just last month, but the tributes their families prepared for each child were more than just extraordinary and thoughtful.Outside the church, a row of hearses stretched along the front, and mourners filed past photographs of the children before taking their seats inside. Everyone in attendance had dressed in pink, purple, and blue, filling the sanctuary with color in a deliberate act of love rather than a sea of black.

Gold crowns and bouquets of white flowers rested on top of each of the eight white caskets. A gospel choir performed throughout the service alongside individual singers, and attendees rose to their feet repeatedly, clapping through tears.Bishop Bernard Kimble, the senior pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church, began the service with a message that resonated deeply with those in attendance. He told the audience that regardless of the emotions they were facing right now, everyone must remember the goodness of their faith.Crowns, Characters, and the Names They Went Bymages of the children’s favorite characters, such as Lilo and Stitch, shown with angel wings, stood behind the open caskets. The families also performed a crowning ceremony, where they placed tiaras and crowns on each child to represent eternal life.The funeral program gave each child back their identity beyond the tragedy. Three-year-old Jayla went by “Jaybae,” Kayla was “K-Mae,” and Mar’Kaydon, the oldest at 10, was “K-Bug.”