THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 9, 1996 TAG: 9604090303
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
As a minister preached love, not retaliation, Taylor Ricks - the 3-year-old Berkley girl with a smile that captivated family and neighbors - was laid to rest on Monday.
``We cannot allow our babies' blood to be wasted,'' said the Rev. James Anderson. ``We have to do something.''
Taylor was with her sisters on April 1 when she heard what she thought were fireworks. When she lifted the blinds to a second-floor bedroom window, she was hit in the head by a stray bullet from a shoot-out nearby. She died later that day.
Anderson, of New Hope United Church of Christ in Norfolk, said Taylor's legacy was one to heal a heartsick community.
``Let's go back and embrace our sons and daughters,'' he said. ``Let's not be like the world. Let's be different.''
Taylor's death, Anderson said, should not be an excuse to shoot, hate, argue or fuss.
``It's time to love,'' he said.
``. . . it's time to live.''
Taylor is survived by her parents, Crystal Ricks and Gerald Morrow; three older sisters, Shevon, Biance and Voneishia; and dozens of other family members, many of whom live in Berkley.
They gathered at the Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in Chesapeake with friends, neighbors, city officials, and Norfolk and Chesapeake police officers for the 1 1/2-hour service. Some people stood outside the crowded church.
Norfolk Police Chief Melvin C. High was there, as were assistant chiefs Curtis Todd and Sheldon Darden. Norfolk city councilmen Paul Riddick, the Rev. Joseph N. Green Jr. and Herbert Collins made remarks.
Police said after the shooting that pressure from Berkley residents persuaded two men and a teenage boy to give up. The three were charged with murder, attempted murder and firearms violations.
Investigators said the suspects were shooting at a fourth man, who apparently was unarmed, in a dispute over a woman. The fourth man was not charged.
Kenneth Alexander, director of Metropolitan Funeral Home, estimated 350 to 400 people attended Monday's service. Many joined the long processional from the church to Taylor's burial at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Chesapeake.
Speakers at the funeral said Taylor's death has sparked a cry for the community to do much more for its children.
``Let us use this tragedy to come together to work hard,'' Vice Mayor Paul Riddick said. ``(So) the burden will be minimal in future families to come.''
Two poems were read in Taylor's memory. One written by an older sister read:
``. . . Even though you were on the Earth a little while
We will always remember your bright smile.''
As mourner Delores Banks sang the hymn ``Precious Lord,'' the lyrics sent shivers and sobs through the crowd. But as the song moved to a close, its tempo sped up, moving people to clap and sing along.
``We've got to believe we'll see her again,'' Green told family members.
Green, whose 70th birthday is April 15, said he will probably be in heaven before most of the mourners get there. He told them he would like to deliver a positive message to Taylor.
``I hope I can tell her we made a difference in the community where she lived.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by BETH BERGMAN photos, The Virginian-Pilot
Simone Roundtree, Taylor Ricks' cousin, is comforted by Shalonda
Short as Marissa Hawkins, left, wipes away a tear, and Malitia
Hawkins, right, bites her lip. They were part of the estimated 350
to 400 mourners who attended the slain child's funeral Monday.
A police officer salutes the coffin as it is wheeled into the
Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Color photo
Taylor Ricks
Photo by BETH BERGMAN, The Virginian-Pilot
Carrie Clements wipes a tear from the eyes of Taylor Ricks' mother,
Crystal, during the service Monday for her daughter. In addition to
her mother, Taylor is survived by her father Gerald Morrow, three
older sisters, Shevon, Biance and Voneishia and dozens of other
family members, many of whom live in Berkley and joined an estimated
350 to 400 mourners Monday. Some people stood outside the crowded
church.
by CNB