'She Was There To Lift Us Up': Remembering The Life Of Cleveland County Deputy

Family, friends and colleagues of Cleveland County Deputy Jordan Pyle said goodbye during her funeral on Thursday.

Pyle was shot and killed on August 30. Her husband, Vaughn Cannon, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in her death. He was also a deputy with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, but was fired following Pyle's murder.

"When she was about 15 or 16 she went with her dad Rusty Pyle to work," said pastor Bruce Christian. "Rusty was a police officer. She came home, said, ‘I want to be a police officer.’ Rusty said, ‘No, don’t do that.’ She said, ‘No, I want to do that, and I want to help people.’”

Colleagues said her entire career had been built on a bedrock of service. Members of her previous departments all served as pallbearers during the funeral.

"She was there to lift us up to help carry our prayers, to see us through," said police chaplain Jack Poe, to the large gathering of law enforcement from agencies across the state. "And now we are here to see the family through. Thank you for being here.”

Pyle was remembered with full honors, including a 21-gun salute. Her family was recognized with folded American flags. The occasion was special, in part, because Pyle herself served in the honor guard and did the same for others before her.

“Jordan we love you and we will miss you and you will forever be in our hearts," said Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason.