Community spirit can shine through the bleakest of moments and last night the neighbours of schoolgirl Rhiana Moore rallied to show their love and affection.

Residents of the Mary Victoria/Alexandra Road neighbourhood in Prospect gathered to comfort and support Rhiana's family in the midst of their darkest days.

Today is the funeral service for the 14-year-old, whose body was discovered in the mangroves of Blue Hole Hill Park nature reserve on Saturday, May 31. Ze Menefeskiduse Selassie, 32, of Battery Road, St. George's, has been charged with her murder.

Last night, in a moving 'Praise and Worship' service in Mary Victoria Road, Rhiana was remembered by her friends and neighbours. Leaders from the North Shore Gospel Hall led up to 100 people in prayer and hymns, while Pastor Carl Simmons spoke of everlasting life and of Christ's sacrifice.

Rhiana's mother Julieann was joined by her grandmother and other relatives in prayer. One neighbour gave her a bouquet of sunflowers, while a painting of the teenager blowing a kiss was placed at her side overlooking the service.

The evening was organised by several women from the Devonshire neighbourhood, one of whom is Albertha Waite. Mrs. Waite, a neighbour, said people wanted to bring comfort and strength to Rhiana's family.

"We wanted to come together in an uplifting service," said Mrs. Waite last night.

"It is to sing and worship, and to pray for that strength and peace which her whole family will need tomorrow.

"The neighbourhood was wondering what to do and so we felt this was a good way of giving strength to Rhiana's mother.

"We are a very close-knit neighbourhood and think of each other as family, so we are also very protective."

She said: "The mood of the neighbourhood is one of anger and dismay. For some of us it has also been a feeling of hopelessness, but Julieann has such faith, when we looked at her we were just compelled to stand up and be strong for our sister and for our neighbourhood."We really feel that it takes a village to raise a child, and with Rhiana's death it is like a piece of all of us has gone. She was a very well-mannered young lady, so we all feel it too."The funeral service of Rhiana Ashley Marie Moore takes place at 3 p.m. at the First Church of God, Pembroke. It will also be broadcast on Cable channel 85 - KDTV. The service follows the internment and a 'home-going service' at St. John's Cemetery at 1.30 p.m. The family is requesting flowers.