Nancy Taylor, known around her neighborhood as “Grandma,” loved to pray and sing while she walked her dog, Denny.
She also loved Gabrielle Raymond, her younger neighbor who lived nearby. Raymond cared for Taylor when she was sick and offered a listening ear.
As a crowd of 50 silently gathered behind Apex Town Hall Monday to honor the two women who were killed two weeks ago, their friendship was held up as an example that should be remembered — and replicated.
“We need more people talking to their neighbors and caring about what’s going outside the walls of their own homes,” said Doug Stride, the pastor of Hope Community Church in Apex, where Taylor was a member.
Taylor, 69, and Raymond, 37, were shot and killed Jan. 15 in front of Raymond’s home in the South Walk Townhomes neighborhood, about two miles from the vigil.
Monday, mourners also wanted to show their support for the women’s families who sat in black chairs facing two tables, each with a photo of the women.
Each attendee was handed a small white candle to be lit at the end of the ceremony, signifying “a reminder even in our darkest moments, there’s always a glimmer of light,” said Capt. Christal Wenzel of the Apex Police Department.