Houston Bids Farewell to 12-Year-Old Jocelyn Nungaray
HOUSTON, TX – Family, friends, and community leaders gathered on Thursday to pay their respects to Jocelyn Nungaray, the 12-year-old Houston girl whose tragic death has shaken the city.
A private funeral service was held at Earthman’s Resthaven, where dozens of loved ones and dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Cecilia Abbott, and Mayor John Whitmire, came to honor Jocelyn’s memory.
“We’re sad, but we’re outraged and angry that this could happen in our community,” Mayor Whitmire said, addressing the crowd.
Jocelyn was remembered as a vibrant and dynamic young person who loved her family and had a big heart. Friends and family shared fond memories of her love for reading, baking, and her bright smile.
At the end of the service, Lt. Gov. Patrick and Cecilia Abbott presented Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis, with a special proclamation and an American flag.
Jocelyn’s funeral procession was escorted to her gravesite in a horse-drawn caisson, accompanied by Acting Police Chief Larry Satterwhite, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, and other community leaders.
A public celebration of life will be held from 3-5 p.m. at Gallery Furniture, hosted by Jim McIngvale, who also covered the funeral and burial expenses.
Jocelyn’s death has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with two men, Franklin Peña and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, charged with capital murder in connection with her death.