Family and friends of Sade Robinson are holding an emotional memorial service as the investigation continues

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Family and friends of Sade Robinson gathered Friday to celebrate a young life gone far too soon. Robinson was killed and her body dismembered in Milwaukee last month.

The celebration was held at the Baird Center on Friday, May 10, which would have been Robinson’s 20th birthday.

Her family and friends used this to celebrate her life as much as they mourned her death.

But at the service, Sade’s own mother addressed – in her words – the elephant in the room: an open murder investigation and body parts still missing.

The Baird Center was filled with pink, Robinson’s favorite color, and many of the mourners wore pink T-shirts with Robinson’s picture on them.

Robinson’s family has spoken openly about how difficult it will be without her entire body.

Sade Robinson’s sister Adrianna Reams was one of many people who spoke at the service. She told the assembled audience: “Everyone who knew her knew how special she was. And I’m sorry to everyone that we’ll never see that light again.”

Friday’s memorial service attempted to do something that felt impossible for many people: close an open wound.

Robinson’s mother, Sheena Scarbrough, said: “Losing a child was not part of my plan.”

For several hours, family, friends and even colleagues commemorated Robinson’s life.

Her biological father, Carlos Robinson, said: “I never thought it was possible to love someone as much as I love my daughter.”

Quincy, a former colleague, told the crowd: “I have a little speech problem and a disability, I find it kind of hard to walk. That’s why she helps me go up and down the stairs all the time.”

Intense grief, pain and fear were omnipresent.

A friend said, “Your kids will never call me Aunt Cara and vice versa.”

But there were also moments of appreciation.

Scarbrough said: “Today we are here to celebrate Sade’s life. 161337 We are here to talk about how she walked, how she spoke, how she lived.”

And moments of joy and gratitude.

Her stepfather, Jonathan Reams, remembered her laughing and said: “Her head would fall back, her mouth would open. And if you’ve never heard that laugh before, you’re going to miss something, I promise you.”

Another former colleague named Winston said: “I wouldn’t be the same person without Sade.”

At the end of the solemn service, many went outside for a final symbolic farewell as family members released six doves.

In the background of the memorial service were several plainclothes detectives who had worked on Sade’s case.

The criminal investigation continues as the case against accused murderer Maxwell Anderson continues to develop.

Anderson is scheduled to be back in court next week.