ATHENS, AL (WAFF) -
Investigators continue to piece together evidence in connection to the murder of an Athens woman.
32-year-old Sharon Wellington was found dead Friday night at the Elmwood Apartments on East Elm Street, where she lived alone.
As authorities work to find her killer, those close to Wellington are mourning her loss.
"Sharon was such a beautiful young lady. She was very caring, very loving, and always wanting to help," said Joy Watkins, a close friend and fellow church member.
Wellington moved to Athens just a couple of years ago.
With no ties to the area, the Southside Church of Christ in Rogersville became her home, and its congregation became her family.
"I cannot stress enough how much Sharon Wellington loved the Lord, or Sharington as we affectionately called her," said Watkins.
Those close to Wellington are still in disbelief, as they struggle with her loss.
"I wake up and I think is it true? Then I realize it is true. Sharon is really gone," said Watkins.
With heavy hearts and minds full of questions, church members are now searching for answers, as to who would do this and why.
"We are missing a really big piece of our family. Sharon was important to everybody in this congregation," said Watkins.
Church leaders released this statement:
It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our dear and faithful sister, Sharon Wellington. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Sis. Sharon's presence and passion for God will be greatly missed by all of us. We know that God is willing and able to see us through this very trying time. We solicit your prayers for the family of our Sis. Sharon Wellington, as well as for the many lives God used her to touch and encourage. She is a precious jewel now resting in the hands of our Almighty God.
Let us comfort one another with these words "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Revelations 14:13
She was in the Lord and full of good works.
Athens Police are still not releasing any details about the crime scene. They said information could jeopardize the investigation.
Investigators are hoping to receive preliminary autopsy results Monday.
If you know anything about the murder of Sharon Wellington, you are asked to call the Athens Police Department at (256) 233-8700.
Copyright 2012 WAFF. All rights reserved.
Sharon Wellington was a member of the Southside Church of Christ in Rogersville.
Sharon Wellington (source: Facebook)
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