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Grace Church Houston, on the city's southeast side, served as host on Feb. 25 to the celebration of a life that belonged to a girl who mourners remember loved her family more than anything.
Arlene Lynette Alvarez died at the age of nine from injuries sustained in a Valentine's Day bank robbery two weeks ago.
Arlene and her family were on their way to dinner at her favorite restaurant, Spanky's Pizza, when their truck and Arlene were struck by shots fired by the alleged robbery victim, who told police he was attempting to repel the individual who held him and his wife at the Chase Bank at 2900 Woodridge.
Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that the funeral service included hymns, prayers and speeches in English and Spanish.
The eldest of three children, the girl was remembered for being a loving, doting older sister to her two younger brothers, especially her infant brother.
"Family was everything to her," one speaker said, according to KHOU. "She loved her parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncle and godparents."
According to another speaker, Arlene cared for animals as well.
The De Zavala Elementary School fourth-grader wanted to be a veterinarian or at least a physician of some sort, KHOU reported.
Gwen Alvarez, Arlene's mother, closed the service with an emotional recollection of their mother-daughter bond.
"We bonded with work, school, social media," Gwen Alvarez said, KHOU reported. "You were my movie buddy, you would always love matching with me. You were a great sister, you took your role really well, and, baby, for that you will be missed."
Arlene was then interred in a private ceremony, according to the Houston Chronicle.