CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friends and family came together Friday night at Northlake Mall to remember the life of Allisha Watts.
Authorities found her body last week behind a cemetery in Montgomery County. It was the missing piece family and friends needed, but a tragedy too difficult to accept.
"The pain is endless," Tammy, Allisha Watts' sister, said. "Show love to one another because you never know when the last time will be the last time."
Allisha Watts was reported missing by her family when she didn't show up for work after a trip to visit her boyfriend, James Dunmore, in Charlotte in July.
Dunmore is accused of killing her, and is currently in jail without bond.
"Allisha baby, we love you and we tried, we tried. We did not give up," Brittany Harris, a friend of Watts told WCNC Charlotte when her body was found. "You didn't deserve this at all."
Family and friends gathered to not only celebrate her life, but to also shine a light on missing people from our area.
"All lives matter and we want to bring this attention to missing persons," one person said at the vigil.
Those in attendance said their hearts are broken but their mission is clear, and now they’re encouraging city leaders to join the conversation and help find those who are missing.
They're hoping this tragedy not only spreads awareness, but also educates the community.
"Education is the most important thing," one speaker said. "People should know what to do when they’re in situations like [this], and this tragedy should be the example -- don’t let the story go away."
Family and friends said the journey will be long but the goal is in each step.
"We are not going to stop our feet are grounded in the mud, and we are going to keep marching until we seek justice for Allisha Watts," Elise Zwatteri, a member of Boots on the Ground, said.
As those at Friday’s vigil let go of the balloons to float into the sky, they’re holding on to hope and praying for healing.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.