It has been five days since New Hanover County detention officer Tarica Pulliam was gunned down outside her home.
Today, her friends, family, and fellow law enforcement officers gathered to say goodbye.
It was a full house at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmington.
Family, friends and fellow deputies filed in silently in honor of Tarica Ann Pulliam.
New Hanover County Sheriff Sid Causey said, "We're leaning on each other and we'll make it through."
The 27-year-old was on her way to work last week when she was shot several times in front of her Wilmington home.
Authorities identified the shooter as Pulliam's ex-boyfriend Anthony Bowen, a man Pulliam had a restraining order against.
Before they could catch him, Bowen took his own life.
At Pulliam's funeral members of the sheriff's department wore black stripes over their badges to honor their fallen colleague.
"She was very loyal, very hard working, and always volunteered for extra work. People like her are the heart and soul of this sheriff's office. They make it run," said Sheriff Causey.
Pulliam left behind parents, two siblings and a young daughter who lives here in Wilmington. Friends, family and colleagues say she will be missed.
A scholarship fund has been put in place for Pulliam's daughter. Donations to the fund can be made at any State Employees Credit Union here in Wilmington.
Tarica
It was a beautiful service.Very moving.To see all these people come together,black and white showed me that we ARE all the same. There is no difference,we all celebrated and grieved for Tarica that day. We as a community need to take the first step and show these young people that we all live in the same community and we all want the same for them. That is what Tarica was all about. We should learn from her.God bless her family,especially her young daughter who will need alot of support from everyone.
Have a blessed day