Joey Feek's Public Memorial Service Was a Big Celebration of the Singer's Life

Joey Feek's public memorial service came five days after she was laid to rest; buried in the backyard of their home in Tennessee. The public memoral was attended by hundreds of Joey's fans on Sunday (March 13th). Several fans carried signs with quotes and pictures of Joey and her husband and fellow country singer Rory Feek, while others held flameless candles. 

The service, hosted by Gospel music legend and family close friend Bill Gaither, took place at Alexandria-Monroe High School in Alexandria, Ind. where Joey Feek graduated in 1994. US Weekly reports that family friend Bill Gaither spoke first, reminiscing on Feek's active childhood. A few minutes later Rory joined him on stage to lead the audience in a spirited version of "Lean On Me," a favorite of Joey's.

This was followed by a speech by Jerry Young, the pastor who baptized Joey. Pastor Young spoke warmly about Joey. "I loved Joey, her spirit and soul, and she loved all of you," Jerry Young, the Feeks' pastor, said during his speech. "I want to thank this community for what God has done with it. God has showed us the way, and Joey was a beautiful child of God." 

Then the pastor gave Rory Joey's high school varsity jacket, which the husband and father put on.

"This is such a special place, with special people, for us all to be in today," Rory somberly said, as the crowd grew silent. "This is the place that Joey played basketball. She loved playing here. This place taught her a lot of lessons, but what she really lettered in was love." 

Joey's mother June Martin came to the stage later, and let the congregation through another song, "Close To Thee." 

At the end of the loving ceremony, Rory said, "Joey, I'll see you at the house." 

"Joey is a hometown hero and her hymns and stories are so inspirational to me and my family," Howard Wright, a 36-year-old Alexandria resident told Us Weekly. "We love [Joey and Rory] and hope she's staring down on this day from heaven, looking at all the hometown support she has here today." 

At the end of the loving ceremony, Rory said, "Joey, I'll see you at the house."

 

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