HUMBLE, Texas — It’s been one week since an 18-year-old North Shore High School honors student and football player Jarvon Coles was shot and killed at a house party in Humble.
On Saturday morning, hundreds paid their last respects. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston Mayor John Whitmire declared March 16 "Jarvon Coles Day."
If you could package the love in the room, it would burst at the seams for Jarvon. The main sanctuary was packed with more visitors filing into the auditorium.
Many celebrated the young person he was while encouraging others to follow his drive and compassion.
It’s not how long you live, but how you live. That’s one of the many messages shared with family and friends gathered at Light of the World Christian Fellowship Church for Jarvon “Veezy” Coles celebration of life service.
A roster of people from family, pastors, friends, and teammates, remembered the young man for a life cut short while honoring the amazing work he did in that time.
“That smile, that leadership, the active in the community,” said Pastor Joseph Bailey, whose son played on the football team with Jarvon.
Everyone shared grief but also shared the joy of knowing Jarvon because to know him they say is to love him. His commitment to family, education, community and football is all evident through their stories and the mass turnout.
“Nothing but love they came out to support my son. I don’t know what to say,” said Jarvon's father, Jarvis Payne.
Jarvon was supposed to be preparing for prom, graduation and starting college, but all those dreams are now gone. It’s been a week since he was shot and killed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“I would just like for them to turn themselves in you know admit what they did, what they did was wrong, you took an innocent life,” said Bailey.
And while the prayer is for justice, his father has a personal message for whoever is responsible for this family’s loss.
“The Bible says you should fear no man, but God. So, if anybody knows anything, just come clean,” said Payne.
In addition to the recognition from local and state leaders, NFL quarterback and Houston native Jalen Hurts, sent in a video message for the family. As for the investigation, deputies are still trying to find the person responsible.