By WILLIAM F. WEST

The [Henderson] Daily Dispatch

BUTNER -- Hundreds gathered Saturday afternoon at Bible Baptist Church for a memorial service in memory of slain Granville County woman Kelly Currin Morris.

"It was Kelly's time," the Rev. Keith Williams said of the mother of two girls.

Regardless of one's age, when the time comes, "God will call us home," Williams said. And Williams said his question is, "Where will you go when it is your time?"

The most important thing people can do in this life is make preparations with Jesus Christ, Williams said.

Morris disappeared on Sept. 3, 2008. The next day, her residence at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road was on fire and her 2005 Honda Accord was found about a mile away, with her cell phone, pocketbook and other personal belongings still inside the car.

Authorities on Nov. 16, her remains were found off Sam Moss Hayes Road. The next evening, her husband, Scott Morris, was booked for first-degree murder and burning a dwelling house.

During the memorial service, Williams said, "We come to weep, we come to feel one another's pain and we wonder in anguish about what has taken place.

"We do not come this afternoon with easy answers for all the questions that we may have," Williams said.

"This is tough. We're stunned. We're heartbroken. We find ourselves hurting and we simply don't understand the whys and how that all has happened to us and to this precious family," Williams said.

"Some of you come this afternoon searching for answers. And it's only normal for us to wonder how things happen when a tragedy strikes and why they happen the way they do," Williams said.

Williams preached about the death of Lazarus and the two sisters of Lazarus telling Jesus -- who had arrived four days after the death of Lazarus -- that Lazarus would not have died if Jesus had been present sooner.

Williams said, "I'm sure that many of you this afternoon have the 'If' questions as well. If only I had spent more time with Kelly. If only I had been nicer. If only I had done this or that, the tragedy may not have happened."

And Williams said such questions are normal for a family and for close friends to ask.

Williams advised: "Don't beat up on yourself too badly. Don't blame yourself for what someone else obviously did."

And Williams encouraged the audience to hold onto their beautiful memories of Kelly Currin Morris.

Williams told of the sadness that he began to feel after the funeral of his mother a few years ago, but that he began to recall things they had done together that made him smile.

"So, family and friends, I encourage you: When the sad times come for you when you remember Kelly, force yourself to think about the times of joy and happiness and the good times where you laughed and shared together and had a good time. It'll see you through those dark hours," Williams said.

After the service, Kelly Currin Morris' family formed a receiving line to accept condolences from the audience through the late afternoon. And a video of numerous still photographs of Kelly Currin Morris were projected onto a large screen.

"I thought it was beautiful," Lauren Rene, executive director of Families Living Violence Free, said of the service.

Rene, when asked about her thoughts when she saw and embraced Kelly Currin Morris' family, said, "Heartfelt prayers are out for them."

Dana McKeithan, of Butner, said she believed the service brought some closure to the life of Kelly Currin Morris.

"And it also shows the support that our community here in Granville gives to one when there is loss. And so we say today, to other communities as well: Come together as we have, not in a tragic time, but each and every day," said McKeithan.

Kelly Currin Morris was 28 when authorities said she was missing. She had one daughter from a previous relationship, and she and Scott Morris had one daughter.

Senior District Judge Daniel Finch has temporarily granted custody of Kelly Currin Morris' and Scott Morris' daughter to Kelly Currin Morris' father, Pat Currin, and stepmother, Juanita Currin. Another hearing in the matter is scheduled for Jan. 7.

Scott Morris, 35, who remains jailed without bond, is scheduled to be in court Wednesday.