Funeral Held For Teacher Killed By Stray Bullet
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Family and friends of a CPS teacher caught in the crossfire gathered Saturday for her funeral.
Betty Howard was shot and killed last week when a bullet pierced the wall of a real estate business in Chatham.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports Dr. Betty Jean Howard's funeral wasn't a time for mourning, but a moment of celebration.
"This was one of those phenomenal women that they talk about," said the Howard's brother, Roosevelt Long.
Howard died while at her second job as a realtor in Chatham. A bullet from a drive-by shooter came through a wall, hitting her as she sat at her desk.
"Allow this to be merely God showing us and revealing unto us, that it doesn't end here," said Jason Long, Howard's nephew.
A stirring musical tribute from Howard's husband, brought everyone to their feet. Howard's sorority sister's also said their final goodbye.
As Howard's flower adorned, pink and white casket left the church, her mother was overcome with emotion. Her daughter's first love was education. Howard was a special education case manager at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep. The school has named a scholarship in her memory.
Howard called her position at Brooks her dream job. Gwendolyn Brooks Principal Dushon Brown hired her.
"She was education at its best and everybody that came in contact with her knew that," said Brown.
The drive by shooter that took Howard's life, remains at large.
"It's just a tragedy, because, indeed, the good, do die young," said Roosevelt Long.
Howard's brother says the $7,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in his sister's death is growing. Police say the investigation into the shooting continues.
