CANTON – Dozens of red balloons could be seen floating into the sky near Nimishillen Creek in southeast Canton Friday evening.
Red was Charise Otis’ favorite color. The balloons were released in honor of her — a mother, sister, friend and aunt — whose life was mysteriously cut short.
A group of grieving loved ones and community members stood south of Third Street SE, over Nimishillen Creek, not far from where the 47-year-old was found dead earlier this week, wrapped in blankets bound with ratchet straps.
Chrystal Otis, Charise’s twin sister, said the dozens of people in attendance were a testament to how loved she was. People came who knew Otis from childhood, all the way up to present day and even complete strangers.
“Wonderful,” “kind” and “beautiful” were just some of the adjectives used to describe Otis by attendees.
“She was loved and she spread love,” Shekia Adkins, a family member of Otis, said. “She was full of love, God’s love.”
As the group celebrated Otis’ life, they also called for justice as questions surrounding her death remain unanswered.
“She was a great mom, sister, a friend,” said Hope Nash, a member of Otis’ family. “Whoever you are … just step forward. How you did it was horrifying and disgusting.”
Several attendees wore shirts with Otis’ face on it that said, “Justice for Charise.”
Otis’ family encourages anyone with information or tips to contact police. They have also set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
Contact Abreanna Blose by email at ablose@usatodayco.com or by phone at 330-580-8513.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: ‘She was loved.’ Canton community mourns Charise Otis, seeks justice
Reporting by Abreanna Blose, Canton Repository / The Repository
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