Public Memorial for Terry Smith Jr. Set for Thursday Night

UPDATE: Organizers of this memorial service ask that those attending carpool to the event if at all possible. Parking is limited.

A public memorial service in memory of 11-year-old Terry Smith Jr. will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Lamb's Fellowship church in Lake Elsinore, organizers announced tonight.

Lamb's Fellowship, located near Menifee at 21901 Railroad Canyon Road, was chosen as the site because of its ability to accommodate a large crowd in its outdoor worship area. The facility has 600 seats but can hold more than 2,000 people, said Veronica Bocanegra in making the announcement.

Bocanegra is the funeral arranger for Lakepointe Cremation & Burial, which is coordinating the memorial service with the staff of Lamb's Fellowship. The "Remembering Terry Smith" group, including volunteer coordinator Sarah Reid, will also be present to provide assistance as needed.

The service is expected to last an hour and the public is invited. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and chairs in the event all seats are taken. The public is being asked to wear blue, one of Terry's favorite colors.

According to Bocanegra, the service is being held on behalf of Terry Smith Sr. as well as the other organizers listed. Smith, who arrived here from West Virginia after news of his son's death, will be in attendance.

"Terry Smith Sr. would like an opportunity to thank the community for searching for his son ... that is the main goal of the public service," Bocanegra said in making the announcement.

Event organizers are asking that no phone calls be made to Lamb's Fellowship regarding the service. All questions should be directed to Veronica Bocanegra's office at 951-245-1771.