A photograph of Shanta Matthews sits on the bluff during her vigil Thursday in Natchez. Her goddaughter, 11- year-old L’Kaylah Harris, described her as a kind, sweet and loving person. (Nicole Hester | Natchez Democrat)

LaDarrienne Bynum is comforted by Bell White as the crowd sings “Amazing Grace” before releasing the balloons at Shanta Matthews candle lit vigil. (Nicole Hester | Natchez Democrat)

Shanta Matthews’ loved ones stare up to the sky watching as the balloons are released during a vigil for Matthews Thursday in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | Natchez Democrat)

Keila Screws Harris, Shanta Matthews God sister holds a candle for Matthews Thursday during a vigil for Matthews on the bluff. “I’m gonna hold onto all the good memories and make sure my nieces know how wonderful my sister was,” Harris said, “I’m gonna miss her so much.” (Nicole Hester | Natchez Democrat)

Lawrence Screws, Shanta Matthew’s Godfather, reminisces about Matthews while packing up the from the candle vigil Thursday on the bluff in Natchez. Screws said wherever she was she was always the same person. “She is going to be very much missed,” he said. “She was just a sweet loving person.” (Nicole Hester | Natchez Democrat)

Gwendolyn Duncan Brandt, Shanta Matthews’ aunt signs a message on a poster honoring Matthews’s during a candle lit vigil Thursday on the bluff in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | Natchez Democrat)