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First funerals to be held for Charleston victims Hundreds mourn Charleston shooting victims
(about 17 hours later)
The first of the funerals for victims of the Charleston church shooting will be held on Thursday in the South Carolina city. The first of the funerals for victims of the Charleston church shooting have been held in the South Carolina city.
The services for Ethel Lee Lance and Sharonda Coleman-Singleton will both take place after viewings at Baptist churches in North Charleston. The services for Ethel Lee Lance took place after a viewing at a Baptist church in North Charleston.
Ms Lance, 70, worked for the church for 30 years and was a mother of five.Ms Lance, 70, worked for the church for 30 years and was a mother of five.
Ms Coleman-Singleton, 45, was a speech therapist, pastor and high school track coach, as well as a mother of three. The funeral for Sharonda-Coleman Singleton, 45 took place at another Baptist church. She was a speech therapist, pastor and high school track coach, as well as a mother of three.
Their funerals will be the first two of nine, with five more to take place on Friday and Saturday. The families of two of those who died have not yet released details. Their funerals were the first two of nine, with five more to take place on Friday and Saturday. The families of two of those who died have not yet released details.
The nine worshippers were shot dead at a bible study group at an African-American church last week.
Reverend Jesse Jackson, Mayor of Charleston Joe Riley and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and US representative Mark Sanford were in attendance at Lance's funeral.
"She can be a symbol for love," said Lance's grandson Brandon Risher. "Hate is powerful but love is more powerful."
Security was high at the funeral, with police standing guard and checking bags as hundreds of people filed in.
Members of Mother Emanuel church stood and said: "Sister Lance, we are here! Mother Emanuel, we are here!"
At Singleton's funeral, hundreds of mourners filed past the casket at Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Police officers surrounded the church and surrounding roads.
On Friday, President Barack Obama will give the eulogy at a service for Rev Clementa Pinckney, 41, who was the pastor at the Emanuel AME church. Vice-President Joe Biden will also attend the service.On Friday, President Barack Obama will give the eulogy at a service for Rev Clementa Pinckney, 41, who was the pastor at the Emanuel AME church. Vice-President Joe Biden will also attend the service.
Both Mr Obama and Mr Biden were friends of Mr Pinckney, who was also a state senator in South Carolina.Both Mr Obama and Mr Biden were friends of Mr Pinckney, who was also a state senator in South Carolina.
His remains were taken to South Carolina's State House in Columbia on Wednesday, where his coffin will lie in state until Friday's service.His remains were taken to South Carolina's State House in Columbia on Wednesday, where his coffin will lie in state until Friday's service.
Footage emerged on Tuesday of suspect Dylann Roof being arrested by police officers in Charleston. He appeared to surrender without incident.Footage emerged on Tuesday of suspect Dylann Roof being arrested by police officers in Charleston. He appeared to surrender without incident.
Mr Roof has been charged with the murder of those who died at the Emanuel AME church.Mr Roof has been charged with the murder of those who died at the Emanuel AME church.
The victimsThe victims
Charleston pays tribute to victimsCharleston pays tribute to victims
The victims of the Charleston shootingThe victims of the Charleston shooting