Megan Maxwell- Memorial Funeral- 11-20-10

11-20-10-Family and friends of a murdered Cocke County teenager are getting some closure on their loved one's death this weekend.

Dozens filed in and out of the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Newport Saturday evening as Megan Maxwell's family received those who wished to pay their condolences.

"We got to bring her home so it's a good feeling," said Megan's sister Stephanie Maxwell.

Stephanie said she misses her sister because they spent so much time together.

"It's weird when she's not there, like Christmas and shopping cause it was always just me and Megan," Stephanie said.

The Newport community came out to support the Maxwell family and remember a young woman who had touched them.

"Even if you didn't know her, she just put a smile on everybody's face," said friend Kara Hurley, "She was a lot of fun."

The memorial service was also a chance for those who have waited so long for answers to her whereabouts to reflect on a girl who they said touched many lives.

Remains of 19-year-old Megan were found earlier this month in a rural wooded area 12 miles east of Newport. Sheriffs officials said a man walking his dog found the remains off Ponderosa Road near Parrotsville on November 4, 2010. That location is about one mile from where Megan was last thought to have been. Forensics experts UT identified the remains as Megan Maxwell the following day.

Megan went missing in April 2009. Her burning car was found then on the side of the road, but there was no sign of her.

Megan's grandfather, Ernie Maxwell, said being able to celebrate her life takes some of the pain away from losing her. Ernie said while the family is grieving, they are also focused on finding who is responsible for Megan's death.

"We thank all of the people in the community that have stood with us and are still behind us," he said.

Newport community members said they won't forget the young woman, and they stand in solidarity with the Maxwell family.

"We owe it to Megan," family friend Helme Donald said. "It's been a very sad situation ever since it's happened."

"It brings peace, but it's not going to bring closure because we still don't really know what happened to her," Delores Branner, a friend of Maxwell's mother, said.

Maxwell's family, and the community, now want justice for Megan. Their closure starts with formally saying goodbye this weekend, but many Newport residents, including Ernie Maxwell, say it won't fully come until they understand why Megan died.

There have been no arrests in the Maxwell case, but Jeffrey Lee Stock, 41, is named the prime suspect.

Stock is currently serving a six year federal prison sentence for violating the Sex Offender Registration Act when he moved to Tennessee from Indiana.

Maxwell will be buried Sunday, November 21, 2010 at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Newport. The service begins at 2:00 p.m.

http://www.helpfindmeganmaxwell.com