JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Family and friends said goodbye on Saturday to a mother killed in a senseless crime.

Shannon McCants, 37, was a pharmacist at Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center when a customer walked into the hospital on Monday and shot her three times, according to police.

McCants was rushed to the emergency room, but could not be saved.

On Saturday, St. Stephen's AME Church was filled with people who loved Shannon McCants.

Her husband Derrick McCants was able to stand up and praise during the service even though his life dramatically changed last week, making him a single father. His 7-year-old son Derrick and his 7-month-old daughter Dalton will grow up without their mother.

McCants's family members and friends said they would remember her as a devoted mother who lived for her children until her life was cut short.

"She was always there for her children," said Debra Bell.

"She was a good parent. It was just a bond at the school. We just love her," Arnetta Myles said.

McCants managed the pharmacy at Shands for four years.

Reggie Hartley said McCants was his boss, but that she was also a lot more. He recalled how on Bosses Day all of the employees brought McCants a single rose to show their appreciation for a boss he described as one of them.

"I loved that lady, and I know that lady loved me," Hartley said. "We're going to make it and keep our head held high."

During the service, McCants was described as a phenomenal woman who touched everyone she met, and the church spilling over with people showed that she indeed touched many.

"All of Jacksonville has suffered a great lose because this young lady had a whole life ahead of her, and we're so sorry it was ended in the way it was," said pastor Mark Griffin.