Bessie Hedrick, 78, moved into Pinelake Health and Rehab after suffering a broken hip a few months ago. Although Hedrick had begun experiencing symptoms of dementia, friend Fatima Groce said the 78-year-old seemed to be improving.
"I was hoping she'd be able to go home," Groce said.
Friends for more than 50 years, Groce said she had come to visit Hedrick the afternoon of the shooting but was turned away by officials. She was later informed at a local church that Hedrick was killed in the shooting. "I just can't believe anyone would do such a thing," Groce said.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Ave., Siler City. The funeral will be Thursday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 314 S. Second Ave., Siler City. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
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