HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The pastor of a Huntsville church said her members are in shock about what happened to two men Tuesday. They are also asking for the community to help with burial expenses.
Terry and Anthony Jackson were stabbed in West Huntsville United Methodist Church as they prepared to open the food pantry. Pastor Cheryl Blankenship said the two men enjoyed helping with this outreach service every Tuesday. They truly loved to help people, she said.
“They were the purest form of Christians that I have ever met,” said Blankenship. “They were here cleaning the church and then getting ready to open the food pantry.”
Terry was 76 and Anthony was 69. Terry cared for his younger brother, because Anthony had cerebral palsy. Because of this, he had trouble walking and talking.
“The two didn’t have very much at all but anything they had they would share with someone else who needed it,” said Blankenship.
The two men were members of the church for more than 20 years. They both loved to sing in the choir and loved to help however they could.
“To me they were the epitome of kindness,” said church member Linda Claunch. “Whatever you asked them to do there was no hesitation.”
Pastor Blankenship said Huntsville Police have asked her not to go into detail about what happened to the brothers while they continue their investigation. She only said the men were stabbed.
She and other church members are having a hard time comprehending why someone would hurt them.
“All day yesterday and so far today, I’ve asked myself why because they would give you the shirt off their back. It’s just hard to understand,” said Robert Claunch, a church member. “You would have had to have known them to understand what I’m trying to say. It’s just hard to believe that somebody would have tried to harm them.”
“You wound up hurting the people who could have helped you the most probably but I assume that they need help,” said Blankenship. “And I hope that they receive that that they will receive both God’s justice and God’s mercy.”
Huntsville Police ask anyone who knows anything about the crime to please call (256) 722-7100.
Blankenship said the church’s food pantry will be open next Tuesday, May 28 in honor of Terry and Anthony.
Neither man had burial insurance. If you would like to help with the costs, you can make a donation to the church. Please mail checks and make them payable to:
West Huntsville United Methodist Church
attn: Jackson Memorial Fund
3104 9th Ave SW
Huntsville, AL 35805
The congregation has suggested if there is any money left after funeral expenses that it go to the church’s food pantry.
