Hundreds of community members gathered at Southeast Bulloch High School Thursday evening to honor and remember Anna and Azure Rountree, who tragically died from injuries sustained in a recent car crash. The somber yet supportive prayer service brought together nearly 500 people, including students, faculty, and local citizens, all seeking to find solace and strength in one another during this difficult time.
A Community of Support
The evening opened with words of gratitude for the overwhelming love and encouragement shown in the days since the tragedy. Organizers emphasized the importance of leaning on one another and expressed appreciation for the strength found in community.
Words of Faith and Encouragement
The first speaker, Pastor Bryan Price, spoke from the heart. He recalled how, in the early days of uncertainty, he felt called to pray for Anna and Azure. Pastor Price reminded those gathered that moments of deep loss cannot be carried by human strength alone, but require turning to God for peace and strength.
He read scripture passages to bring comfort, including:
- Psalm 147 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
- Isaiah 41 – “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
- Matthew 5 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Students at the Center
Because this was a student-focused event, young people were encouraged to participate in ways that felt most meaningful to them. Tables were set up with note cards, posters, and art supplies where attendees could write messages, share memories, or create artwork. These heartfelt tributes will be presented to the Rountree family as a lasting reminder of the community’s love and support.
Three students spoke including:
- Savannah Gordon
- Anna Clair Newman
- Liam Lightsey
Shared Memories and Prayer
The nearly 500 in attendance broke into small groups to pray, talk, and reflect on Anna and Azure’s lives. Many recalled Anna’s kindness, her joy, and the positive impact she made on her classmates and teachers.
Counselors, pastors, and teachers were also present throughout the evening, providing a safe space for anyone needing one-on-one support.
Walking Through Grief Together
Speakers reminded those gathered that grief comes in waves — there will be moments of deep sadness, but it is also natural to return to school, sports, and daily life. Doing so does not lessen the love or respect for Anna and Azure; it is part of the healing process.
Students were encouraged to continue showing compassion, patience, and kindness to one another in the days and weeks ahead.
Closing Moments
Educator Josh Burnham also addressed the students directly, encouraging them to continue showing kindness and compassion to one another. He shared personal memories of Azure, noting her generosity in dressing up as the Easter bunny and bringing cake pops to classes. He also recalled pictures of Anna as a middle school soccer player. Burnham emphasized that it is okay to feel grief and to take moments to breathe and process, but also encouraged students to find healthy distractions, such as schoolwork or athletics, as part of the healing process.
He closed the service with a reminder that no one in the SEB community walks this road alone. As everyone joined together in a deep breath, the message was clear:
“Pray for one another. Be with one another. And walk together through what comes next.”
