Community gathers to celebrate Ahrea’l La’Shae Smith

A girl stood in prayer as community members placed candles on the property of the convenience store in Claraville where Ahrea'l La'Shae Smith worked and was last seen. Photo by AnnGardner Eubank

by AnnGardner Eubank

CLARAVILLE—In the wake of cruelty and evil, the heart, beauty, radiance and kindness of the late Ahrea’l La’Shae “Ahrey” Smith was honored and celebrated during a candle-lit vigil on Wednesday, January 19.

Pastors and community members joined family and friends of Smith at the Little Sue convenient store in Claraville. According to the Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the convenience store is where Smith, 28, worked and was last seen alive before being abducted after closing the store alone around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12.

On Tuesday, January 18, Sheriff Johnny Beauchamp reported law enforcement authorities had located a body matching the description of Smith in the Heathsville area.

Shontay Newtown, a cousin and friend of Smith, organized the vigil which drew over 100….[to-view-more]