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Fans Celebrate 'King Of Pop' At Pittsburgh Funeral Home

Fan On Michael Jackson Death: 'I Cried For Whole Entire Week'

POSTED: 11:52 pm EDT July 2, 2009
UPDATED: 11:00 am EDT July 7, 2009

Thousands of people are attending a memorial service for Michael Jackson in Los Angeles today, but Pittsburgh fans couldn't wait that long to commemorate the "King of Pop."

Fans of Michael Jackson gather at Coston Funeral Home in East Liberty Thursday night to remember the 'King of Pop.'

Fans sang, danced and shed tears as they packed the Coston Funeral Home on Lincoln Avenue in East Liberty Thursday night.

Video: Watch Tara Edwards' Report From The Funeral Home
Slideshow: Photos From The Memorial Event

"I've always been a dedicated fan. I've been one ever since I was pre-teen. I've had dreams and desires and fantasies for myself to improve my life and Michael gives me that inspiration," said Michelle Jackson.

She even named her son after the pop icon.

AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
Delana Jerry dances to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" in front of a memorial to Michael Jackson in Pittsburgh, Thursday, July 2, 2009. Jerry is part of the Naka dance group that performed at the service.

"A lot of good things came form that. It just inspired me as an artist, as a musician to want to strive and want to have a drive like Mike. I think that's one thing that's set me aside, even in college," said Michael Joseph Jackson.

While the singer's death came as a shock to many, those attending the memorial service said it's helping them heal.

"I cried for the whole entire week and my kids are real young but they're into the songs too," said Roxanne Charles.


AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
Italy McClurkin,7, left, plays with her 9-year-old sister Sky before a memorial service for Michael Jackson in Pittsburgh, Thursday, July 2, 2009.

While Jackson may be gone, it's apparent his music and message will continue to endure in his fans -- both in Pittsburgh and around the world.

"It means a lot to be here and celebrate his life and how he touched everybody through his music and his career, how he touched us all," said Michael Wood.

Coston Funeral Home has made plans to hold another memorial tribute in Jackson's honor on July 10.