Slain Florida girl Caylee Anthony remembered

[February 11, 2009]  ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The grandmother of slain Florida toddler Caylee Anthony told hundreds of mourners Tuesday that her granddaughter was able to win the love of strangers and inspired them to come together for a common purpose.

"Caylee Marie has taught some to love a child whom they've never met," Cindy Anthony said during her granddaughter's memorial service at the First Baptist Church of Orlando. "Caylee Marie has brought thousands of strangers from all religious backgrounds in one church to pray."

The service came two months after the girl's remains were found in swampy woods near her grandparents' home where she lived with her mother, who has been charged in her death. Before the discovery, hundreds of volunteers -- most of whom had no personal connection with the girl -- had helped search for her after she was reported missing over the summer.

"It shouldn't take the death of a child to love our God and our fellow man," Cindy Anthony said.

First Baptist Pastor David Uth remembered Caylee, saying this was one of those days "you don't know what to say." And he offered a "prayer of peace" for her mother, Casey Anthony, who was jailed less than a mile away on a first-degree murder charge. She has pleaded not guilty and claims a baby sitter kidnapped Caylee.

Casey Anthony could have asked for permission to watch the memorial broadcast live on TV but didn't, according to jail officials. The 22-year-old said in a statement read by her attorney that she missed Caylee "every day and every minute of every day."

Images of Caylee, who was 2 when she disappeared, flashed on a giant screen in front of the sanctuary as a pianist played, "You Are My Sunshine" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." A video montage of her jumping on a bed and dressed like an Easter bunny ended the two-hour service.

Cindy Anthony and her husband, George, who arranged the public service, urged mourners to support their daughter.

"It breaks my heart today that Casey isn't here today to honor her child who she loved so much," Cindy Anthony said during the eulogy. "Casey, I hope you're able to hear me today. I love you and I wish I could comfort you right now. I wish I could take away all of your pain and wipe away your tears."

Thousands of mourners had been expected, but only several hundred people showed up, including many who never knew the Anthony family. They included Jessica Smith, who drove 160 miles from West Palm Beach with a co-worker to attend, saying she felt compelled to be there "to say our prayers for her."

"I'm a mother myself," said Smith, 25, who has a son Caylee's age. "It touches close to home."

Caylee disappeared in June, but her mother didn't report her missing until a month later, telling authorities she was looking for her.

George Anthony, who was hospitalized last month over concerns he was suicidal, said his daughter deserved love and letters of support while she was in jail.

"I miss my daughter, Casey," George Anthony said. "Do not form judgments because I tell you, you do not want to be in any of our shoes."

Security was tight, given that the Anthony family had faced protesters at their house before the daughter was arrested. A dozen deputies were stationed at the church and mourners had to pass through a metal detector to get into the sanctuary, but no protesters came.

Some mourners said they felt a connection to Caylee since they had been following the case since she was reported missing.

"I had hoped she would have been found alive," said Justine Lorence, 22, who drove up with Smith from West Palm Beach. "I feel like I have to pay my respects to her because I've been watching this from the start."

[Associated Press; By MIKE SCHNEIDER]

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