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Interfaith service honors slain WDBJ reporter, photojournalist

Posted at 3:45 PM, Aug 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-08-31 03:29:51-04

ROANOKE, Va. -- Hundreds of people gathered in Roanoke in search of strength and peace Sunday afternoon as they remembered Allison Parker And Adam Ward,theWDBJ reporter and photographer shot and killed earlier this week.

The interfaith service took place at the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center and was open to the public.

About 30 faith leaders from all different backgrounds prayed for the Parker and Ward families.

"Most mental illness is treatable if you get to the sufferer...in this case we did not," WDBJ's General Manager Jeff Marks said.

Marks talked about the serious need to address mental illness and offered advice to people trying to heal.

"Don't get angry, get strategic. Anger eats away at you," he said.

And through tears Marks reminded everyone that Alison Parker and Adam Ward live on.

"I want to play softball with Adam again and I want to see Alison dance...and I will in the memories they left me, in the memories they left us," Marks said.

An offering was taken at the event. All funds raised will go towards scholarship funds in remembrance of Parker and Ward.

WTVR CBS 6 reporter Jasmine Norwood attended the service.

WDBJ reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward