TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Tuesday evening, tears rolled down my cheeks while candlelight dripped onto the pavement of Mission Hills Apartments. Tealights formed the names “LERA” and “KEKE” on the sidewalks, their gentle flames swaying with the soft yellow-white glow as people gathered to dance and mingle.
Approximately 100 friends and family members came together in Tallahassee for a balloon release, vigil, and celebration of life in remembrance of two women who tragically lost their lives in a shooting over the weekend.
The victims were sisters Qulera Allen, aged 29, and Kernishion Charleston, aged 37, who was shot and killed in broad daylight at the Mission Hills Apartments on the west side of the city.
The suspected gunman fled the scene and led law enforcement on a pursuit that ended in Alachua County. Before an arrest could be made, he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as reported by the Tallahassee Police Department.
During the gathering, friends, and family took turns speaking into a microphone, focusing on the joy the sisters brought to their lives. Amidst their grief, some turned to prayer, finding solace in their faith, while others shared touching stories about the sisters, evoking tears from many in the audience.
The two sisters were incredibly close, with loved ones describing Kernishion, or “Keke,” as quiet, wise, and sweet, while Qulera, or “Lera,” was known for her social and bright personality. Lera was the life of the party, always where the fun was happening.
Mikayla Murphy, the sisters’ cousin, attested to their inseparable bond. Lera, a devoted mother of three, and Keke, a loving wife, played pivotal roles in raising other family members, displaying their capacity for love and loyalty.
After the heartfelt speeches, the mourners released about 100 pink and purple balloons into the sky, some shaped like stars and hearts, carrying messages for the departed sisters. As the balloons ascended against the backdrop of the setting sun, a few got caught in a tree, eliciting a moment of humor amidst the sorrow.
Music filled the air, and the gathering continued with dancing and conversations. Some attendees spelled out the sisters’ nicknames using tealights and lit candles to honor their memory.
Jay-La Ta’Nae, Allen’s best friend, found comfort in the belief that the two sisters are now together and at peace, forever in the hearts of those who loved them.
“We know they’re good, we know they’re together, so we don’t have any worries,” she said. “They are fine. And they’re always going to be in our hearts.”
