Photos: Mourners gather to celebrate the life of Katherine 'Kat' Massey
From the Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket series
It was a full church for the funeral of Katherine "Kat" Massey at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on Michigan Street in Buffalo on Monday, May 23, 2022. Massey was one of the 10 victims killed in the mass shooting at Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue on May 14. Massey was one of the 10 victims killed in the mass shooting at Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue on May 14. The two-hour service was filled with music and rousing oratory, and more than a few shouts of "Harambee!" Massey often quoted the African saying, which means "All pull together," as a greeting and encouragement.Â
"We thank you for her being a soldier on the battlefield for the moment. We thank you for her being a soldier in the community, for those people who cannot speak for themselves," said the Rev. Frank Bostic, pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.
Mourners hug Kat Massey's sister Barbara Mapps during the viewing before the funeral.Â
State Sen. Tim Kennedy (left) and Rep. Brian Higgins give their condolences to the family.
A large cloth with photographs of Kat Massey is displayed at her funeral. The word "Harambee" is a Kenyan word that means "All pull together."
Mourners line up for a viewing before the funeral.
Rev. Frank Bostic, pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church says a prayer.
The program for the funeral of Katherine "Kat" Massey.
Tiffany Embry sings "I Can Only Imagine."Â
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown speaks at the funeral.
Benjamin Chavis, civil rights leader and president of the National Newspaper Publisher's Association, speaks at the funeral.
As a worship song is sung, many stand and raise their hands.
Kat Massey's nephews share some memories with the crowd.
Mourners stand on their feet during a song.
Pastor Alan Core of First Centennial Baptist Church gives a eulogy.
Mourners stand and hold hands for the final prayer.
The casket is carried out after the funeral.
After the funeral, a woman hugs Kat Massey's sister Barbara Mapps.
Mourners embrace after the funeral.
After the funeral, a woman holds up her fist and shouts "Harambee," a Kenyan word that means "All pull together."
In this Series
Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket
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Recently retired police officer, mother of former fire commissioner both killed in Tops shooting
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Katherine "Kat" Massey's devotion to her neighborhood and community was a theme throughout her life, and relatives, friends, clergy and politicians paid tribute to her at her funeral Monday at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on Michigan Avenue, around the corner from her beloved Fruit Belt neighborhood. Massey, 72, was one of 10 Black people shot and killed at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue on May 14 by a self-described white supremacist.
Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an…
