Memorials held for Kalamazoo shooting victims

2 victims honored with 10-mile procession

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Four of the six victims in Kalamazoo were laid to rest Saturday, including Mary Lou Nye, who was one of four women gunned down outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant.

Nye, 62, was remembered for her big heart and warm smile.

For 30 years, Nye worked for the secretary of state. In retirement, she volunteered at her church, Immanuel Lutheran Ministries, as a daycare worker.

Nye developed quite a reputation for her cooking.

"She made wonderful bread," said early childhood director Barb Ackerman. "She loved children."

Nye was killed, along with her sister-in-law and two friends, in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel -- the third and final stop during a deadly rampage that left six dead.

Two of those victims -- a father and son -- were honored with a 10-mile procession. More than 100 cars traveled from Tyler Smiths' high school soccer field to the Calvary Bible Church.

Richard and Tyler Smith were at a car dealership when they were gunned down. The father and son were targeted at random in the second shooting that night.

Tyler Smith was laid to rest next to his father.

"Just a devastating thing for the community, and we just wanted to come out here and support the families and friends of Tyler and his father and all the other victims of the horrible shootings," Terisa Pollock said.

The community is vowing to never forget the victims and to support the loved ones left behind.

"Wish the family peace and comfort throughout this sad time, just to keep their memory alive, we do that for them, always in our prayers," Carrie Brown said.

A 14-year-old girl who was also shot remains in critical condition.


About the Author:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism