FOREST HILL, Texas — Hundreds gathered Thursday night for a vigil and balloon release honoring Fort Worth ISD school cafeteria employee, 56-year-old Yolanda Gibbs.
Karen Buckley is Gibbs' best friend of 40 years. She was among several speakers called to the microphone by Forest Hill Mayor Stephanie Boardingham to share stories and memories of Gibbs.
On Oct. 11, Forest Hill police said Anthony Harris, who Gibbs dated for two years, shot her in a back parking lot at David K. Sellers Elementary. Gibbs worked at the school cafeteria for 30 years.
Two days later, police found Harris deceased in Fort Worth -- police believe he took his own life.
Forest Hill Police Chief Eddie Burns told WFAA that his police department is still investigating Gibbs' death with close help from the Texas Rangers. Burns also shared that investigators have linked Gibbs' death to Harris by fingerprints, ballistics and school surveillance video from the morning of the fatal shooting.
Gibbs' family attended the vigil but left sharing memories too others, like Buckley. The speakers at the vigil also included Mayor Boardingham, Gibbs' supervisor, coworkers and community leaders.
"We were always out together, riding in those old cars, she was truly a best friend, lots of memories," said Buckley.
Eventually, nightfall became the backdrop to hundreds holding up candles during a heartfelt prayer. Then, the sky seemingly welcomed balloons, mostly pink and blue, Gibbs' favorite colors.
"When I saw the balloons go up, I just thought about the Lord," Buckley said. "It just let me know that she was safe in his arms."