WESTOVER, W.Va. — In an emotional memorial service Friday in Westover, family and friends honored Skylar Neese.
A public service was held for the 16-year-old at the Kingdom Evangelical Methodist Church where Pastor Kevin Cain gave an emotional eulogy in which he focused on who Skylar was based upon his conversations with her parents, Dave and Mary.
“She was always happy…always smiling,” Mary shared with me. “She had the ability to light up the room,” said Cain.
He learned that she was fearless.
“As I listened to Dave and Mary describe their daughter, they spoke of the fact that Skylar possessed no fear in the midst of the most fearful situations. They didn’t speak of an arrogant confidence filled with recklessness, but one of peace and meekness while spinning within the eye of tumultuousness,” Cain stated.
But with that Skylar was also kind.
“Dave and Mary told me that their little girl possessed the kindest of hearts, clearly seen in her desire to protect the life of every creature regardless of size,” he said.
And that she also had a strong faith in God based upon the condition of her Bible.
“Skylar’s Bible may or may not have flowed out in
specifically stated chapter and verse from her mouth, but for more than 12 years her copy of the Holy writ, has become well-worn, and clearly alive in the intricacies of
Skylar’s character,” said Cain.
In closing, the pastor referred to Skylar as not “just another unknown teenager in the panoramic landscape of Morgantown life,” but rather “truly awesome” and “phenomenal.”
Skylar’s remains arrived home for the first time since disappearing in July 2012 days before the service. Her body was discovered earlier this year in Greene County, Pa.
Two teenager girls are currently facing charges for her murder. One of them has pleaded guilty to second degree murder and is awaiting sentencing.