Hundreds of people filled a Greeley church on Sunday, some who hadn’t seen each other in years, to celebrate closure nearly three and a half decades after 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews went missing.
As many as 300 or more people filled The Adventure: Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4100 20th St., Sunday afternoon, many clad in pink and purple, Jonelle’s favorite colors. Media members were barred from the hour-and-a-half event.
Ann Dickinson, 47, of Greeley, said the celebration helped provide good closure on the tragic story involving her former schoolmate. Dickinson had attended school with Jonelle at Shawsheen Elementary School and Franklin Middle School. She also attended a farewell service for Jonelle, organized by her parents in 1994, 10 years after the girl’s disappearance.
The celebration was led by Dr. James T. Christy and included religious worship music, an opening prayer led by Andy Broese van Groenou, Jonelle’s uncle, a life tribute video, statements by friends and a performance of “Tears In Heaven” by Armando Martinez, the husband of Jonelle’s biological mother.
“I think it’s always good for everybody to come together, commune and remember,” Dickinson said.
Jim and Gloria Matthews, Jonelle’s parents, organized the celebration after Jonelle’s remains were found July 25 at an oil and gas site about one quarter of a mile northwest of Weld County Road 49 and Weld 34 1/2. Police continue to search for a suspect.
Jonelle disappeared Dec. 20, 1984, after performing in a Christmas concert with the Franklin Middle School Honor Choir. She was last seen when a friend’s father dropped her off at her home about 8 p.m. that night at 320 43rd Ave. Court.
Judy Atkinson, a 76-year-old lifetime resident of Greeley, said she was glad to see not only the family, but the community get some closure.
“They’ve been through such a tragedy, it’s just hard to imagine going through something like that,” Atkinson said. “I’m glad they could have this today, as a kind of full circle and a blessing to finally put it to rest – a blessing for the community, too.”
After the celebration, dozens of those in attendance met with each other outside the church, some who apparently hadn’t seen each other in years. Others continued to meet inside, where refreshments were being served.
Mike Johnson, a 57-year-old Evans resident, attended Sunday with his wife, who knew Jonelle’s family. As an outsider looking in, Johnson said he thought it shows how powerful Jonelle was, that she could unite hundreds of people on a Sunday afternoon more than 34 years later.
