By Chelsea Vance | The Selma Times-Journal

Family, friends and community members gathered Saturday to remember Alexis Hunter through a prayer vigil held at the Selma High School tennis courts.

There were a number of speakers who reflected on the memories they have of Alexis and how she touched their lives in positive ways. Prayer, music, stories and encouraging words were given from guests who exchanged hugs and held hands. Joann Hunter Walker, Hunter’s mother, said that the day was bittersweet for her.

“It is sad because she is gone, but I am happy that the community came out to support,” Walker said.

Since Hunter’s death, The Alexis Hunter Foundation has been created and serves as a way to do good in the community through her name.

Walker said that she started the foundation to keep Hunter’s legacy alive and to address community violence.

“The dedication has been a great help in making me feel better,” Walker said.

Suspects of Hunter’s death are expected to go to trial in the spring 2016. Walker said that in preparation for the trial, she has been praying and asking God to help her to get through it.

“The only thing left to do is pray and ask the Lord for strength and guidance. Without strength and guidance, I would not have been able to make it this far,” she said.

Walker said that with prayer and staying busy through work, attending church and family gatherings, coping is easier. She and the Hunter family admit that they have still have not been able to pick up the pieces.

“It has just been so hard and so devastating,” Walker said.

Christopher C. Peterson spoke at the prayer vigil. He is an activist in Selma and strives to do his part in stopping senseless violence in the community through VOCAL, an organization whose mission is to make sure that the voices of crime victims are heard.

Peterson and Walker encourage people of the community to come to the upcoming trail in the support of the Hunter family.