The Waynesville, St. Robert and Fort Leonard Wood communities were heartbroken and perplexed during the past week as they learned about the death of five-year-old Almeela Bagby. As the community tries to understand the why’s and how-could-this-have-happened, over 150 people gathered Friday at Waynesville City Park.
They came together to remember the life of Almeela.
The evening was magical and emotional, yet the same theme resonated throughout, described best by John 15:12, “That you love one another, as I have loved you.”
In a time where some questioned their faith, many turned towards their faith and were provided comfort, compassion and love, as Almeela loved.
Almeela’s chosen uncle, Skyler Brotherton of Dixon, will remember her as your “typical feisty and fearless five-year-old who loved being outside.”
She giggled, laughed and screamed in excitement uncontrollably while running through the yard with her twin sister and other siblings. She was a bright light. She cherished life and took every opportunity to enjoy living it. She did not know a stranger, and upon meeting Almeela you instantly became captivated by her brown eyes and bright smile. She was destined to impact your life in that single moment.
That’s how those who knew Almeela describe her. She was like most five year olds, a picky eater. But one thing Brotherton remembers and laughs about is her love for Chinese food, a nontypical favorite for the typical five year old.
Brotherton says he will miss celebrating birthdays and loading up the vehicle with Almeela and her overnight bag. Almeela loved staying the night with Uncle Skyler.
“She will be missed so much, we lost big losing Almeela,” Brotherton said.
Tammy Peters, a caregiver in Waynesville, describes hearing sirens on Tuesday and when learning Wednesday of Amleela’s passing said, “God tugged at my heart. I needed to do something to show Almeela she was cherished, she was loved and to give her resting peace.”
Peters organized the 6:30 p.m. Candlelight Vigil held Friday. Peters is a child abuse survivor who hopes to inspire others to stand up for themselves, their siblings and encourage hope.
There were about 150 people at the vigil to show their love, support and ask what else they can do to help.
Those in attendance were mostly from the Waynesville, St. Robert and Fort Leonard Wood communities. The park was filled with representatives from Waynesville Police department, Waynesville Fire Department, USO, Waynesville School District, local business owners, Almeela’s family and others throughout the community.
The vigil began as everyone gathered close and shared a flame, the symbol of life. Pastor Sean A. Wilson of Greater Faith Church in Waynesville and Waynesville mayor pro tempore opened the evening in prayer. A moment of silence was followed by a few words shared by community members.
First was Almeela’s grandparent, Granny Sharon, who shared a few memories and tears, as well as acknowledging the depth this loss will have on Almeela’s siblings and those who knew her. This past weekend Almeela was supposed to be spending the night with her Granny. Fighting through tears, Granny Sharon emotionally cried out, “I should have gotten her sooner, and she’d still be here! Baby girl, Granny loves you and will forever miss you.”
Two other individuals in the community who did not know Almeela shared how her death has instilled their faith in the Lord, and how at this moment the community needs to take the opportunity to love and not hate. The evil in this world can be diminished through loving and looking out for one another, is the theme they want to deliver.
Just before the closing prayer, a young and soft voice silenced the crowd with words that were wise beyond their eight-year-old years.
“I did not know Almeela, but the Lord brought us all together tonight, for her,” she said.
There was an overwhelming feeling of comfort in those words.
As silence shifted to deep thoughts and tears and the crowd began to sing “Amazing Grace,” five balloons were released in honor of Almeela Bagley, and pastor Wilson closed in prayer.
Almeela was born March 17, and she will be laid to rest 12 p.m. Friday on her sixth birthday. Her service will be held at Westside Baptist Church.
Those who knew and those who did not know Almeela will come together again 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18 to celebrate her sixth birthday. Peters has planned – along with several community members who attended the Candlelight Vigil Friday – a final birthday celebration for Almeela at Waynesville City Park.
It will be a time to hear kids play, laugh and playfully scream throughout the park. They ask everyone to bring a bottle of bubbles in honor of Almeela’s birthday and snacks to enjoy the day, celebrating a young girl who lost her life too soon, but who will never be forgotten.
There has been an overwhelming outpouring of support from the communities regarding Almeela’s service and accounts to donate are being created. Visitation for Almeela will be held from 10 a.m. until her service begins at noon Friday, March 17, at the Westside Baptist Church with the burial following at Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetry in Waynesville.
