ENID, Okla. — A little girl who, investigators said, was never properly cared for finally got the respect, love and care she deserved.

A funeral for Athena Brownfield, 4, was held at the Stride Bank Center in Enid. Friends, family and even complete strangers shocked by the girl’s death were able to say their goodbyes.

“I believe she is safe at last at home in heaven,” said State Sen. Roger Thompson, who officiated the service.

Though Athena, law enforcement said, was killed in Cyril more than two hours away, the funeral was held in Enid because it was the largest places with the least resistance and obstacles to have a funeral that has now received national attention.

“She loved to color. She loved Baby Shark. It’s said she and her sister were attached at the hip,” Thompson said.

Purple ribbons were given out and more than a dozen purple flower bouquets were donated to the funeral. It was Athena’s favorite color.

The funeral was not able to answer the questions of how and why, but Thompson did his best to explain that simply out there is evil in the world.

“It is not God’s plan for us to live in a world with abuse. It’s not God’s plan that we live in a world with death and murder,” he said. “But it is God’s plan that we walk with Him daily.”

A state trooper she’s tears as he read a poem about saying goodbye and God loving the smallest among us.

FOX23 is not reporting Athena was laid to rest after the service. It’s not clear what the next step is partially because there is a gag order on the case and specifics cannot be released to the public about many aspects of the case at this time.

Many in attendance now hope for justice and hope they will get it in the court system where two arrests have been made.

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