BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Hundreds of people gathered Friday to celebrate the life of three-year-old Ramone Carter just one week after he was shot and killed on Domedion Avenue.

Carter was laid to rest at the Greater Royal Worship Center in a small coffin with flowers and a ribbon that read “Beloved Luckie.”

“A three-year-old can bring that much unity to a city that is in need of uniting,” said Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministries.

Carter was shot and killed outside of his house last week during a family gathering while he was riding his tricycle. His seven-year-old sister, who was standing next to him, was grazed by a bullet.

Loved ones filled the pews to say their final goodbyes to Carter, also known as “Luckie” or “Red.”

“Bottom line is this, we should not be here,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “We should not be eulogizing the life of an innocent, beloved little boy.”

Those who came to pay their respects wore t-shirts with Carter’s photo or dressed in Buffalo Bills gear since the toddler was a big fan.

“The mom shared the story about how, from the time he was three-weeks-old, he fell in love with the Buffalo Bills and obviously, this community is in love with him,” Brown said.

‘Very playful, full of joy’: Family members remember the life of a 3-year-old killed in Buffalo shooting

“I believe it’s because of their faith that is keeping them, you know, strong and as well put together at this point because there’s absolutely no words when you lose a three-year-old to gun violence,” said Ykeeta Wilson, the first lady of the Greater Royal Worship Center.

Those News 4 heard from on Friday said if there is any good to come out of this tragedy, it’s a change to make sure something like this never happens again.

Newkirk said it’s the community’s responsibility to be vigilant moving forward.

“What I’ve been wrestling with is that, the blood of our young brown and Black people is running down the drains in the City of Buffalo and it really needs to stop,” said Pastor Albert Wilson of the Greater Royal Worship Center.

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Marlee Tuskes is an award-winning anchor and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2019. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.

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