HOUSTON, Texas — Family and friends are remembering 48-year-old Heather Smith who was shot and killed inside her home in northwest Harris County last week.
On Sunday, family and friends came together walking from the golf course in Smith’s neighborhood to her home where they remembered the woman who was loved by many.
Smith’s cousin Brittny tells KHOU 11 News Smith was a mother, a new grandmother and a proud Prairie View A&M University alumna. Many people wore purple in honor of her alma mater.
Brittny said Smith was a light in so many of their lives, describing her as funny and witty.
“She was a big part of our family sticking together. She was some of the glue that kept our family together,” Smith said. “She made such an impact, in so many different circles. Not just in our immediate family and her, created family, but she went to Prairie View A&M University, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that because she loved her alma mater to the heart."
As everyone sang songs and spoke about Heather, they also signed a petition requesting prosecutors pursue the most severe charges and prevent release on bond for the person charged in Smith’s death, Christopher Braziel.
Heather's boyfriend was the one who found her body inside her home on Beechmoor Drive home in the Hearthstone neighborhood.
The petition also states that it serves as a commitment to the safety of the people who live in this neighborhood.
“We need to stand together as a community,” said neighbor Mary Alice Kahanek.
While family and friends honored Heather, they also mentioned the vigil shouldn’t have had to happen and plan to bring awareness of the dangers of gun violence.
“We should not be standing here mourning the loss of our loved one for this,” said Smith.
The family said they are thankful for the support shown by the community.
“We see so many people from so, so many different walks of life and so many different connections to Heather, whether it be a neighbor all the way down to her, her children, her grandson,” Smith said.