People in Macon get the chance to say their last goodbyes on Saturday to three children killed in a house fire a week ago.

Hundreds of people piled inside Central Church of Christ for the funeral of Nykhiya, 10, Jamarrian, 9, and seven-year-old Daija Williams. However, it wasn’t just a funeral inside the church; it was a celebration of life for the friends and family of the children. While some danced and clapped to the music, others in attendance couldn’t help but carry a heavy heart.

"It's such a devastating time for us, this tragedy to have happened," great aunt to Nykhiya, Dorothy Curtis said.

The three children were killed inside their home on James Street last Sunday. The three along with their brother J’Lon, 3, were sleeping in the master bedroom of the home when a fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. in a small bedroom. Their mother Colethia Williams wasn't home. Neighbors said she went to the store, a detail that makes the situation all too tragic.

"It's really heart wrenching because I have children around those ages and I mean it's a really sad feeling for me right now,” community member who attend the funeral, Cordell Williams said. “My heart is very heavy."

Hundreds of people crowded the church to say their final goodbyes. People recalled how the children impacted them in different ways. Despite their short time on the planet, some say it takes a tragedy like this to bring people together.

"While they lived I don't think they would've imagined having these many people here today to show love and respect," neighbor Milton Denmark said.

"This is a tragedy that touched the entire community and this community has come together, these are three lives that are lost and this community has come together," Bibb County Coroner, Leon Jones said.

While the community is focusing on celebrating the lives of the three children, family members said they want to support one another through this tough time.

"We're trying to bear with it, handle it as best we can as family members,” Curtis said.

The children were buried at Cherry Blossom Memorial Gardens.
A compassion fund with SunTrust Bank has been set up to help with the funeral costs and other financial needs. You can make a donation at any SunTrust Bank or you can send donations to Riley Elementary School at 3522 Greenbriar Road Macon, GA 31204.