COLUMBIA, S.C. (CBS NEWS) – A third funeral will take place in Charleston today as the city continues to heal from last week’s church massacre.
President Obama, first lady Michelle, and Vice President Joe Biden will join thousands of mourners and lawmakers at the funeral of the Reverend Clementa Pinckney.
President Obama will deliver the eulogy.
Both the President and First Lady Michelle knew Pinckney and some of the other victims.
“The President will be mindful not just of how sad it is but use the occasion to celebrate their lives,” said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest.
Pinckney was killed during a bible study at the Emanuel AME church.
Thousands turned out there Thursday evening to view the pastor’s open casket.
“He saw not evil that could not be stamped out through love and he lived by that,” said Dr. Katie B. Catalon, mourner.
President Obama will also meet with families of the other victims in the church massacre, among them 45-year-old Sharonda Coleman Singleton and 70-year-old Ethel Lance.
“She was a victim of hate and she can be a symbol for love,” said Brandon Risher, grandson.
Emotions ran high as the women were laid to rest. Emotions that will play out again over the next few days as Charleston buries six more of its own.
