Dozens of family members and friends gathered at a service and funeral for the four young children killed in a house fire in Springfield.
The funeral was held at Springfield Baptist Church on Saturday. All expenses were covered by the Springfield Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cremation.
The small caskets for two-year-old twins, Juliana & Julian Pope Jr., four-year-old Julissia Pope, and seven-year-old Brianna Lewis were carried out from a Celebration of Life service.
"They really need as much love and support they can from the community. You really hurt for the family," Springfield Fire Chief David Thompson told NewsChannel 5.
The fire broke out early Monday morning on Poplar Avenue near Perry Drive. It started in the living room and quickly consumed the home and trapped the children.
Julian Pope Sr. has been called a hero for wrapping his body around his eight-year-old daughter to protect her from the flames. He suffered burns on 40% of his body and remained at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition with his daughter.
Brianna Lewis' brothers escaped with their mother safely.
Meanwhile, many have visited the scene to drop off balloons and toys to show support, including Victoria Wood. Even though she does not know the family, Wood gave her two-year-old son's blanket to remind them that the community cares.
"My biggest fear is losing my son, so I can't imagine what the parents are going through. I feel like they need to know we care," Wood said.
Days after the children's death, many have left balloons and toys at the scene on Poplar Avenue. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/aApBXnu766
— Matthew Torres (@NC5_MTorres) December 18, 2016
The cause of the fire remained under investigation, but officials have called it an accident.
