1 year later, Venus' family has funeral

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - On the one-year anniversary of her disappearance, Venus Stewart's family and friends officially said goodbye at her funeral, held at Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville.

"It was hard," said her brother, Dustin Jasper. "I mean, it was also refreshing to know where she's at."

The 32-year-old mother of two was last seen April 26, 2010 outside her parents' home in Colon Township. Her body has never been found, but her family continues to search for her.

Stewart's estranged husband, Doug Stewart, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this month for her murder. He has not revealed where Venus' body is located.

Hundreds of people packed the small church -- even those who didn't know her showed up.

"I think it's affecting everybody," Brandy Aucunas said.

She didn't know Venus, but said her death has had a tremendous effect on the community.

"She was just an innocent girl trying to do better and get a better life for her girls, and something terrible like this happens," Aucunas said. "It's horrible. It definitely brings everybody together."

Jasper told 24 Hour News 8 the family will continue to search for his sister's body. He had no doubts they'll eventually find her.