Family Hopes Patricia`s Death Not In Vain

One week ago, Sunday, an east Arkansas community realized a 6-year-old girl was missing. But Thursday night, searchers found the body of Patricia Miles in Mississippi County, not far from her hometown of Gilmore, in Crittenden County. In their grief, her family made it to church in West Memphis, Sunday morning. Where they were last week, when they heard the news. Their small town, and small church are still big enough to feel the loss of the little girl. "It`s been the worst week of my life," says Patricia`s adoptive mother, Vickie Robertson. Their pastor, Rev. Stephen Chitman tells the congregation at 2nd St. John Missionary Baptist Church, that Patricia`s death is not an ending but a beginning. "Something good is about to happen," he shouts. Yet, her family can not help but ask why their outgoing, "Daddy`s Little Girl" had to die. "I`m still waiting to see what the overall message is going to be, but I am a Christian and I know there is a message in everything that the Lord does," said Robertson. While they wait, the Robertson`s make plans on how to make something good out of their tragedy. They plan to start a memorial fund in Patricia`s name to build a playground at Turrell Elementary, where Patricia would have started 2nd grade last week. "Which would have been something that, had she lived, she would have enjoyed. So we`re going to bring that joy to other children," Robertson explained. They also hope to work with the school districts on getting identification systems for local children. Meanwhile, Patricia`s former baby-sitter, Jo Ann Buchanan was arrested last week and charged with kidnapping. She is being held in the Crittenden County Jail on $1 million bond. The prosecuting attorney`s office has not said yet how or if they will upgrade the charge. Patricia`s funeral is set for Saturday at the Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Memphis.