In the days that followed, images of Celestine Chaney’s death in a hate-fueled attack at a Buffalo grocery store spread across the internet. Images from her life were displayed at her funeral Tuesday. They showed her smiling and holding her loved ones close.
Chaney, 65 years old, was one of 10 Black victims killed by a white gunman in body armor who used a helmet-mounted camera to target shoppers and workers at Tops Friendly Market. Federal authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Three other people were also injured.
Wayne Jones Sr., Chaney’s son, said to mourners at Elim Christian Fellowship that he felt empty after feeling “somewhat prepared mentally” for the day, having watched his mother overcome breast cancer and three aneurysms.
Jones stated that Chaney, a single mother who had divorced, had taught her one child how to survive.
“When the lights were out, we lit candles. He said that he only went into one room when the heat was out. “When there wasn’t anything to eat, we just got one meal and shared it.”
Jones said, “Life will never the same.” Jones placed his hand on the casket of his mother before the service. Members of the congregation to whom she was dedicated extended their right hands in support.
Payton Gendron (18 years old), Conklin’s alleged gunman has been arrested and charged with murder. He is currently being held without bail.
Wayne Jones Jr. was the oldest of Chaney’s nine grandchildren and nine great–grandchildren. He said that he wanted to get one more call from his caring and funny grandmother, who had celebrated her 65th with mimosas, steak, lobster, and mimosas just a week before her passing.
Kayla Jones, granddaughter, said to laughter: “Of course she wanted a most expensive thing on our menu.”
In a proclamation at the service, Mayor Byron Brown called Tuesday “Celestine Chaney Day” for Buffalo. As the service ended, a slideshow of family photographs was displayed on an enormous screen.
Wayne Jones Sr. stated last week that his mother died when he saw the first photo and then the video. Chaney, her 74-year old sister, had been out shopping for strawberries shortcakes and other grocery items on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
