8-year-old arson victim's funeral set

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) - A family forced to plan an 8-year-old's funeral is now wondering how they'll pay for it all.

Karrina Johnson, 8, of Battle Creek died last week after a fire authorities say was arson. Her family is now trying to figure out how to pay for a proper funeral ceremony to help them grieve.

For Laci Johnson, the loss of her stepdaughter Karrina is compounded by the stress of remembering her properly.

"Our main goal is just really a proper funeral," she said. "Something for closure."

Johnson remembered her stepdaughter's captivating ear-to-ear grin.

"Her smile pulled you right in," she said.

Authorities say the Thursday fire was an arson. Her brother and sister both jumped to safety from a second-story window, but Karrina could not escape. She died of her injuries Friday .

"It's just been really hard, accepting all of it," Johnson said.

Police are still trying to find out who set the blaze. They have two persons of interest -- one is the an ex-boyfriend of the children's mother.

"She did not deserve it, and knowing that, it hurts," said Johnson. "How could somebody be so foolish to take a life of an innocent child?"

Reality still hasn't set in for her family. They are now focused on her funeral, which is set for Thursday afternoon at Second Baptist Church.

"She was a very sweet little girl that should just be here with us today," said Johnson.

The family chose to donate Karrina's organs and donated her body to scientific research.

Karrina is survived by her parents, two siblings and three step-siblings.            

"What do you tell kids?" Johnson wondered. "Just trying to find the right words to comfort them, and at the same time we need comfort ourselves."

The family has set up a fund to help pay for Karrina's funeral. Donations can be made at any Omni Community Credit Union in the name of Laci Johnson, care of Karrina's donation. Donations can also be sent to P.O. Box 1537, Battle Creek, Mich. 49016.

Karrina's school, Fremont Elementary, is helping with other donations to help the family.

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Second Baptist Church
485 North Washington Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49037