Celebration of life honors those killed in Byron shooting

POWELL—On her third birthday, Brooke Seline Harshman didn’t open presents and celebrate with her family. Instead, she was eulogized Saturday in a celebration of life at a Powell church along with her three sisters and their mother. 

Tears were flowing before the first speaker took the pulpit. A digital scrapbook displayed photos of happier times for the Harshman/Blackmer family. A collection of photos and a few plush toys were arranged on tables at both entrances and flanked by beautiful wreaths. 

And there were balloons. “Happy Birthday!” one of them read. 

As the crowd of about 275 filtered through, a river of tears was shed for Brooke, her 2-year-old sister Jordan Basil Harshman, their half sisters 9-year-old Brailey Shae and 7-year-old Olivia Elaine Blackmer and their mother Tranyelle Lindsey Harshman. 

Despite the crowd overflowing into the gym at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Avenue E, the opening hymn lacked volume as many reached for tissues and embraced their loved ones as “Amazing Grace” was sung.

The iconic hymn was followed by an opening prayer by 10-year-old Dixie Rose. She was thankful for the safe travel of family, support in this time of sorrow and to have had the four girls and their mother in her life. 

“Please bring and bless us with peace, strength and comfort and for people to understand the truth,” she said in her prayer. 

Then Bishop Ed Riding nervously took the pulpit.

“I’m not very good at this,” he said, referring to speaking under the tragic circumstances. “And I hope not to get really good at it.” 

As he continued, Riding stood before the congregation during a very “difficult time,” he said. 

“We’re all searching for peace, comfort and understanding,” he said. 

He spoke about sacrifice and mourning, quoting President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th and current president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

“The only way we can take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life,” he said. 

Tranyelle’s eulogy

After Riding’s message, Stephanie MacArthur gave the eulogy for Tranyelle Harshman. 

MacArthur was best friends with Tranyelle. She said her relationship with her was the closest thing she had ever had to a sister. 

“She was my person,” MacArthur said. “I feel the heartbreak in this room while we share these words. I have never had so much to say, yet felt so deeply that no words could ever truly encompass my heart and the hearts of all those who love Tranyelle and the girls,” she said. 

“When I say she was a light on this earth, I do not picture a small candle shining brightly. I love Tranyelle, and the imagery does not do her justice,” said MacArthur. “She was an absolute blow torch. Fiery and bright and bold in her light, she could illuminate even the deepest darkest places, and she did so for many of us.” 

Tranyelle was known for constant outbursts in song triggered by a single word that somebody would say, and many thought she had the voice of an angel. She would keep everybody on their toes with her confidence and was both feisty and stubborn, MacArthur said. 

She defended her friend and cherished the time they spent together. 

“Those who knew her well understood that she was incredibly loving and loyal beyond compare,” she said. “Tranyelle was the epitome of a mama bear for her children, her husband, her sisters, her family, friends, co-workers alike.” 

MacArthur spoke of how Tranyelle helped her through postpartum depression after the birth of her child, and that during one of the toughest moments of her life Tranyelle reached out to provide comfort. 

“She was right there. She wasn’t going anywhere. And once again, we leaned in,” MacArthur said. “I reached out and I wasn’t alone.” 

MacArthur wasn’t shy to speak about Tranyelle facing immense challenges navigating mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, hormonal imbalances and other medical struggles. 

“Despite these battles, she fought valiantly, striving to show up for her family. As a close friend, I will shout it from the mountain tops, she was doing everything she could to better herself and create the life that she had envisioned. Unfortunately, the weight of it all became overwhelming and in the darkness and in one breath, her body lost sight of the light,” MacArthur said. “What I would give to be able to go back in time and check in with her sooner that day, what I would give to remind her of her own strength that day.” 

The eulogy was followed by a musical number performed by Cyenna Peters, “The Truth I’m Standing On.” 

Many in attendance openly wept, especially as Peters struggled with her emotions toward the end of the song. Despite the struggles, the performance was beautiful, filling the sanctuary with song, and, for a few minutes, giving some relief prior to the eulogy for the young sisters.

Eulogy for four little girls

As Savannah Rose began the eulogy for the girls, the emotions in the room gripped every person in attendance. Fighting through tears, she spoke of her love for her sister Tranyelle and the joy she found in each of the four girls who were lost on Feb. 10 in Byron. 

Brailey Shae was born Nov. 5, 2015, arriving as an old soul, she said. 

“The first thing I think of when I think of her is her loud, infectious laugh. She was wild and fierce. She was a lot like her mom,” she said. “She was extremely intelligent and wise beyond her years. Her bond with her sisters was unique, and she included them in everything. She was patient and kind.” 

Olivia Elaine was born Dec. 30, 2017. 

“She was a strong-willed fighter from the beginning and her stubbornness was strength,” Savannah said. “She lived fiercely and wasn’t afraid to tell people exactly how that looked for them. She spoke her mind and would advocate for herself in a way that always made me proud,” she said. 

Olivia had a special relationship with her father, Quinn Blackmer. 

“She was his sidekick,” Savannah said. “When [Olivia] laughed, her nose wrinkled. I can’t explain it, but her whole body would smile,” she said. 

Brooke Seline was born Feb. 22, 2022. 

Brooke was calm and intuitive right from the beginning. Savannah said she was “wrapped around her little fingers every day of her life.” 

Her father, Powell High School graduate Cliff Harshman and Tranyelle’s husband, nicknamed Brooke “Stink.” 

“You could tell she loved that name, because she lit up any time you called her that. She loved her father so very much,” Savannah said. 

Brooke started talking earlier than the other girls and Savannah said she was the best emotional support child. Brooke was happiest playing outside. It didn’t matter the temperature, she just wanted to be out there, Savannah said. 

“Her hair was always wild with an accompanying dirty face. But when she came over, she would walk straight to my room, get the brush and a couple ponies and fingernail polish,” she said. 

Jordan Basil was born Jan. 2, 2023. 

She was attached to her mom from the beginning, but after spending time in the neonatal intensive care unit, Savannah said Jordan decided she would never allow Tranyelle to let go of her. 

“She adored her mom and was locked in on her every move. She had an incredibly sweet soul, but with the cry and scream of a banshee,” Savannah said. “She had the most infectious smile [and] eyes that would look deep into your soul and leave you with a feeling of absolute peace.” 

The children had a “girl gang” together with their cousins. They called it the BCF Club, which stood for best cousins forever.

All four girls loved music and dancing and would put together and perform dance routines and loved to watch musicals. 

Savannah said they remain together to this day. 

“Though their time here was far too short, their light was nothing less than brilliant, and while we ache with the weight of their absence, there is comfort in knowing that they are still hand in hand, running barefoot through fields forever,” she said. 

Saying goodbye

Through tears, Tyler Rose presented the poem “A Child of Mine,” by Edgar Allen Quest. 

The poem wishes for those in a child’s life to love them while they live and mourn them when they die. The author suffered the loss of two of his children and the poem speaks of the tragedy of losing a child, but focusing on the gift of even a few years together. 

To end the ceremony, Chris Owens led the congregation in “You Are My Sunshine” before a final prayer by Brett Coplen. 

“Even though they were here for a short time, they … made sure we wouldn’t forget them,” Coplen prayed. 

Nine-year-old Mekenzie Coplen wrote a poem for the ceremony. She is one of the BCF gang.

‘Trust in God’s Plan‘

Remember, no one leaves you. 

They’re always in your heart. 

Some things happen, but remember that the ones who love you will be back. 

Just trust God’s plan. 

Sometimes, it’s hard, but we can muster the pain. 

Be the one who has faith. 

Just remember that God is keeping them safe. 

Think of the most magical hug you can get. 

God and Jesus are giving them that hug. 

Make your tears of sadness into Joy! 

Because they are happy, everything is perfect for them now. 

They look down at us and feel sad that we are sad. 

But one thing for sure is that all of them are in heaven. They were good people.

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