Somer Thompson was a friendly, fun-loving girl who couldn't pass a school crossing guard or puppy without giving a hug.

That was the portrait Pastor David Tarkington painted of Somer Thompson for more than 700 people crowded into a memorial service Tuesday morning for the first-grader who disappeared just over a week ago while walking home from school.

Purple flowers covered the top of Somer's closed wooden casket and a half-dozen bouquets -- also in Somer's favorite color -- decorated the First Baptist Church of Orange Park. A single school photo of Somer was also in the church.

In addition to Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler, sheriffs from surrounding counties attended the memorial, as well as Mark Lunsford, whose 9-year-old daughter, Jessica, was killed by a sexual predator in 2005.

Many children also attended -- their parents holding them close.

"I just cannot imagine what it's like," mourner Rose McGraw said. "God bless the family."

Tarkington, trying to make sense of a the senseless, closed the service by saying "God is with Somer and her family, and that He feels you pain and has collected every tear you've shed for a little girl taken too soon."

After the 50-minute service, the mourners came outside and released scores of purple balloons as the hearse and family left the church grounds.

Hundreds more lined Kingsley Avenue and Blanding Boulevard -- most carrying more balloons and some carrying banners signs saying "Justice for Somer" -- along the procession route to a private graveside service at Jacksonville Memory Gardens.

Reporter Journal:Somer Loved Greatly, Greatly LovedImages:Video:

"I just want to say goodbye to Somer, and I want whoever did it to be found," Nichole Thornhill said.

"We support you and we're here for you," mourner Shirley Hatcher said about being there for the Thompsons. "It's a family community; it's good schools; but it happened here -- which goes to show you it can happen anywhere."

Orange Park High School students were let out of class for the procession, joining others lining the three-mile route to the cemetery.

After the family service was over, Heather Shelton brought her children to see Somer's grave.

"You try and them them not to talk to stranger. I just wanted to bring them out and show them," Shelton said. "There are bad people in the world."

Anyone with any information about the case are asked to call the Clay County Sheriff's Office Tip Line: at 877-227-6911 or send an e-mail to cart@claysheriff.com. A reward of $35,850 is available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.