DeEbony Groves' mother walked across the stage at Belmont University's graduation in honor of her daughter.
Groves was killed by a gunman on April 22 at an Antioch Waffle House. Four people died that day, and four others were injured. Metro Police officers arrested Travis Reinking after a manhunt.
As the graduation bells rang Saturday and graduates took their seats, there was one graduate who should have been sitting alongside them.
"Almost two weeks ago, our community suffered an unimaginable loss," said Robert Fisher, President of Belmont University. "While our hearts were broken, today we have the chance to celebrate DeEbony's life together."
During his commencement address, Fisher said DeEbony found solace in singing a hymn moments before she died.
"And that's the higher power that inspired the last reported words of DeEbony Groves as she and her friend were singing 'Yes Jesus Loves Me' just before she departed that Waffle House for heaven's gate," Fisher said.
At the ceremony, DeEbony's mother, Shirl Baker, and brother, Di'Angelo Groves, received a standing ovation.
Di'Angelo walked across the stage and received his degree.
He was supposed to share that moment with his sister. Di'Angelo wiped away tears as University officials announced a social work scholarship in DeEbony's honor.
To donate to the scholarship fund, you can go here.
