HOUSTON — Dozens gathered outside the Pine Trails Community Center in northeast Houston Friday for a prayer vigil and balloon release honoring the life of Christina Abner.
"Give us strength to stand and let us know that lord, every step of the way you’re right there to comfort our needs and meet our needs," Pastor Robert Dixon of Next Generation Church said while praying at the vigil.
Those who gathered stood together as one, processing their way through grief in the wake of the 33-year-old's death.
"My sister was very dear to me," said an emotional Brandon Abner, Christina's brother.
It was a week ago, Houston police said Christina was shot and killed at her home off Enyart Street by her husband Keith Marion Lee, 35. He's then accused of seriously beating their three young children.
Brandon spoke to those who showed up to show their support at the vigil with advice from the heart.
"These domestic violence issues are serious," he said. "That one moment that y’all have, that argument, y’all can say let's just put it together and put it to the side cause forgiveness is the true remedy to a healing heart. Let death do us part but not death towards each other,"
Two of the children have been released from the hospital, but Christina's 3-year-old remains in fair condition.
A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses and funeral costs.
Christina's funeral will be held on December 30 at Next Generation Church. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the service starting right after.