Wake for Brianna Parish

DAPHNE, Ala. - Close friend, Brittany Doughty told FOX10 News, "I don't want to see her in there, it's not supposed to be this way, it wasn't supposed to happen to her." Friends and family members found it difficult to control their emotions at Brianna Parish's wake; they say her death still didn't seem real.

"It's hard and you think it's a bad dream and you think you're going to wake up from it and she's going to be right there, and you're going to call and she's going to be able to answer, but she won't ever again," Doughty said.

Hundreds gathered to mourn. Dozens of cars drove in filling up almost every parking spot at the funeral home. Everyone inside these vehicles had only love and fondness for Brianna Parish. Lauren Smith said, "I feel very lucky to have known her for that long and I feel so lucky because she just came up to New York to visit me for a month and we had plans to get an apartment together."

Lauren says all she can do is think about the good times she and Brianna had. "I still have the scarf she wore in the ice skating video," she said. Lauren says it's the memories that are keeping her strong, and the scarf Brianna wore during one of the best times in her life, hasn't left her side since she was reported missing.

Friends say Brianna had planned to go to cosmetology school and was very talented. As the night went on, the line of people waiting to pay their respects stretched out the door.

Tina Wilkes said, "That's sad in there, my heart broke." Tina says Brianna's casket was closed and the mood was somber and reminiscent. Tina adds, "Lots of flowers lots of pictures, she was so beautiful." A beautiful girl who will never be forgotten by her friends and family.

A "Celebration of Life Ceremony" will be held for Brianna Parish Wednesday. It's at the Bay Community Church in Malbis. The service starts at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.