DALLAS — A community rallied around the family of Atatiana Jefferson, several years ago, when a Fort Worth Police officers shot and killed her. They came back to the family’s side, on Friday, as Jefferson’s sister, Amber Carr, was laid to rest.
A large group of people gathered in Friendship West Baptist Church for a funeral service and celebrating Carr's life.
Carr, 33, was described as a fun-spirited and fashionable woman. She was the mother of two little boys, Zion and Zayden. Zion was only 8 years old and inside the home when his aunt, Jefferson, was shot and killed.
“She fought all the way to the end,” Minister Dominique Alexander told guests as he officiated the service.
Carr spent the past three years fighting for justice for her sister. During that time, she also mentored young women and advocated for other families who lost loved ones to police-involved violence and other senseless violence.
“Amber was integral in contributing to developing, equipping, empowering, and mentoring our young, female future leaders,” one guest told the group.
Carr was hospitalized and diagnosed with congenital heart failure, during the trial of the officer who shot Atatiana. She lived to see a jury convict and sentence her sister’s killer. Family members said Carr passed away peacefully, on Jan. 30, 2023.
Several pastors from across North Texas, civil rights activists, Fort Worth City Council members, state lawmakers and families whose loved ones were killed by police were among those who attended the funeral service.
“When Atatiana lost her life, the family is experiencing that loss over and over again. The state of Texas can do better. And I know with your advocacy, we will do better,” said Rep. Carl Sherman of the Texas House of Representatives.
In January, Carr spent the final days of her life in the hospital with her sons and other family members close by. The boys meant the world to the young mother. Her big sister Ashley Carr will now care for the children.
“I pray I bring a smile to your face as I watch over Zion and Zayden,” Ashley Carr shared during a message of tribute to her sister.
Mesquite ISD staff also shared words to the children and family, knowing the boys have experienced multiple traumatic events.
“We cannot replace your mother, nor your sister, but we will attempt to demonstrate our love for you every single day in our care,” one Mesquite ISD staffer told the children and the family.
Community members said they are committed to keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers.