The friends and family members of Linda Sweezer are devastated by her death and say she had a big impact on the community.
Friends say she cared deeply about family, loved God, and loved bringing people together -- especially in the black community.
Investigators say Sweezer, in her 60s, was strangled and killed, then partly burned. Her body was found near Bonney Lake earlier this week and a suspect was arrested in Kent on Wednesday.
Her friends are still grappling with the loss, but remember the vibrant life Sweezer lived.
"She brought with her a lot of soul, a lot of compassion," said Gwen Allen-Carston, a friend who says she's known Linda for about eight years. "She was very black and proud and she wanted folks to realize that."
Allen-Carston says she met Sweezer through the Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC). A video from a KBAC Juneteenth event that Sweezer helped launch shows her laughing and waving.
“I know she's up there having a good time now, Linda, I know she's having a good time,” Allen-Carston said, gesturing toward the heavens.
Her friends say she spent much of her time helping others, particularly children in need.
“If we had 100 people in Kent like Linda, we wouldn't have the problems we have, because she cares about people,” said Alex Jones, in his 80s. He says Linda would call and they’d sometimes chat for hours. The two just spoke a couple of days before her death.
Her friends and family are now struggling to comprehend the violent death she suffered. Sweezer was found partly burned near Bonney Lake, but investigators believe she was killed in her Kent home.
“I just lost it. I just fell apart. I mean, I could not right now I still don't believe it. I still don't believe this horror happened to someone so kind, and so sweet,” said Allen-Carston, describing her reaction when she found out.
The Sheriff’s Department also found a 4-month-old baby girl – Sweezer’s granddaughter – inside the home. The baby was dehydrated, but is expected to be OK. Friends say she was just finishing the paperwork to adopt the baby girl, who is Sweezer’s daughter’s daughter.
"She introduced me to the baby as Auntie Gwen. And I just felt nobody does that, you know?" Allen-Carston said.
As they wait for answers about a motive, they're remembering the good in Sweezer.
“Oh I'm just going to miss her. I'm not going to get over that, I just won’t,” Jones said.
And say they'll make sure to keep Sweezer’s legacy living on -- through KBAC and Juneteenth.
"From this point I'd venture to say each and every one will be in her memory and honor," Allen-Carston said.
In a Facebook message, Linda's ex-husband says their family is grieving.
“This is a devastating time for our family especially for Our Children and Granddaughter. I would just like to thank the Pierce and King County Sheriffs Depts. and Chaplains for their Professionalism and diligent work during this tragedy. Thank Everyone for your thoughts and prayers. God Bless,” wrote Larry Sweezer.
Friends of Sweezer have started a GoFundMe to help cover her funeral expenses, and say any leftover money will go towards supporting her 4-month-old granddaughter. Click here to go to the GoFundMe.
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