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The scene was set with memorabilia of Dominique's short 20-year life. It included his high school jersey, a photo of him beside the goal post, crowns he won for being named homecoming and prom king, his Shrine Bowl jersey, a trophy and other items.
“This is a time for you to relax and reflect back. To think of all the good times,“ said Union County pastor Freddie Wicker.
Tameka Davenport, a cousin of Dominique, broke into tears as she told the crowd that the service was the first time she had seen her family together.
“I am not crying because I am sad. It is like this is God's purpose to bring us together,“ cried Davenport.
The 25-year-old woman said there have been too many young people shot and killed and it needs to stop.
“Realize this is time for a change. You can have fun at home. You do not have to go to a club,“ said Davenport, adding she also has been to the clubs. “Change tonight. Newberry also needs to be a family. A lot of people don't speak to each other. But we need to all be a family-black, white, Chinese or Hispanic.“
Davenport said Newberry is too small of a town for there to be competition between people.
“Open your hearts. Promise to change. We have done this too many times. This is the last time we want this to happen.“
Wicker asked the crowd why they were at the service.
“Some of you are here because you are nosy. I came with the purpose of saving souls. It is sad that one must die to draw each of you here. Your coming together is not in vain. Every young person is challenged to be free, to know Christ. In Christ is salvation,“ poured out Wicker. “You may not think it is cool to be a Christian on Earth but try explaining that to God when you get to heaven. When you get to hell no one is going to ask you how you are because you are in hell.“
Wicker asked for prayers to help the Brown family heal.
“You have to tell God ‘thank you' no matter what you are going through,“ said Antioch Pastor Tito Jones, as he encouraged the crowd to touch the person next to them as they sang.
One speaker told the crowd that Dominique was surely looking down and smiling on them.
As the crowd estimated at 1,500 strong lit their red and white candles, they were told that God is the light of the world.
“Thank you God,“ cried Dominique's mother. “God is good.“
Dominique Brown's funeral is scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon in the Willie Scott Gym, where he once played basketball. The service will include music by Anthony Wise, Jackie Ruff Sims, Calvary Gospel Choir, Audrey Eigner and Newberry High's The Mission. Speakers for the service include the Rev. Sammie Robinson, the Rev. Willie Davis, basketball coach Chad Cary, football coach Sam Baird, friend from the class of 2006 Marcus Gray, Dominique's uncle Reggie Cannon, Allison Bowers, and the Rev. Freddie Wicker. The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will also remember Brown with a special presentation. The committal service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Werts Cemetery.
Brown, of Clyde Avenue, Newberry, was shot and killed early last Saturday morning while at Rutherford's Club near Keitts Crossroads. Also shot was Chad Marquee Caldwell, 20, of Clyde Avenue, Newberry. The alleged shooter James O'Bryan Praylow, 20, of 197 Benson Drive, Prosperity, has been charged with murder and assault and battery with intent to kill. Praylow is being held in the Newberry County Detention Center.
Sheriff Lee Foster says he is not certain about what happened to lead to the shooting. A week later, deputies are still investigating a number of different issues about the incident, including who was responsible for the party, what caused the gunfire to erupt and what relationship there was between the suspect and the victims. Also, Foster says there was more than one person who shot a weapon in the club's parking lot on Saturday night.
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