Philadelphia police officer Lynneice Hill-Smith laid to rest
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A steady stream of people who loved Philadelphia police officer Lynneice Hill-Smith streamed into a West Oak Lane funeral home throughout the morning to pay their respects.
Hill-Smith, a 24-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was laid to rest Wednesday. She died earlier this month after suffering a medical emergency while on duty.
A hearse carrying her casket arrived at the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ on Ogontz Avenue after 9 a.m. Officers from the 3rd and 14th Police Districts along with department leaders were lined up to greet the hearse.
Many people in attendance wore yellow, Hill-Smith's favorite color. It was easy to see how loved she was.
Services for Officer Lynneice Hill-Smith ended within the last hour. Three hearses — one carrying her casket and two carrying flowers — are now going to her final resting place in Bala Cynwyd.
— Nikki DeMentri (@nikkidementri) July 26, 2023
The mother & grandmother was a 24-year veteran of Philadelphia PD. @CBSPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/MmTXW2lnOt
Officer Hill-Smith was celebrated and remembered through scripture, song and dance during the nearly three-hour funeral service. Among the list of speakers were Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and family members.
She will not only be missed by brothers and sisters in blue, but her family, and her husband, who is also a Philadelphia police officer. The two would have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this week.
"She was my rock. She was my soulmate," Dennis Smith said. "What she did to me, she made me a better man."
When Hill-Smith wasn't on duty, she dedicated her time to a local foundation Legacy of Hope, where she frequently delivered groceries to people in need including cancer patients.
RELATED: Officer Lynneice Hill-Smith's family talks about her legacy
"She was just a remarkable person, just very genuine," said Michael Rowe, head of Legacy of Hope. "Her desire to help the community and strengthen the community was so genuine. She touched a lot of lives."
"She was giving to the community. She gave a lot, she did a lot for a lot of people," said Gretchen Carney, who was wearing yellow. She spoke to us after the morning viewing Monday "You know, it's just heartbreaking."
Today, we say goodbye to @PhillyPolice @PPD03Dist Police Officer Lynneice Hill-Smith, who proudly served our city for 24 years. Lynneice was an incredible servant leader, and a beacon of hope who touched the lives of many. We will forever honor her service and sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/sVToSf6WvL
— Danielle M. Outlaw (@PPDCommish) July 26, 2023
"She was the rock and heart of our district. She did everything with us," an officer said at her viewing Tuesday night.
"She was my friend, my bestie. Every day I came to work I looked for her, we smiled, we laughed, we giggled in the corner," another officer said.
A procession to Officer Hill-Smith's final resting place in Bala Cynwyd passed under the garrison flag on Ogontz Avenue once services ended. Then Hill-Smith will be taken to her final resting place at Laurel Hill West Cemetery.
Officer Hill-Smith leaves behind her three children, three grandchildren and her husband of 10 years.
What could we do to honor Hill-Smith? Friends and family say to love your community and love your neighbors.