Allisha Watts' loved ones vow her legacy will save other women from her fate

Tom George Image
Monday, September 4, 2023
Allisha Watts laid to rest during funeral in Pinehurst
The celebration of life ceremony for Allisha Watts took place Sunday in Moore County.

PINEHURST, N.C. (WTVD) -- The celebration of life ceremony for Allisha Watts took place Sunday in Moore County.

Watts went missing in July. Her body was recently found dumped at a cemetery in Montgomery County. Her boyfriend, James Dunmore is charged with killing her.

Monday's event was all about rallying behind Watts and honoring her big and vibrant personality -- including a horse drawn carriage and a dove release.

"This is no surprise that it had to be done in such a big and grand fashion, because that's how Allisha lived," Dearest Price said.

Owen Auditorium at Sandhills Community College was absolutely packed with supporters, friends and family.

SEE ALSO | 'She did nothing to deserve this': Heartbreak for family of Allisha Watts as worst fears realized

The family of Allisha Watts and her Southern Pines community prayed relentlessly for a safe return. Sadly, that didn't happen.

The group reminded each other about Watts' work as an entrepreneur and mentor, and they vowed that her legacy would raise awareness about violence against women and particularly women of color.

"Allisha is going to lift up domestic violence. People will take it serious now because the whole wide world knew about this ... to me she was a sacrificial lamb to save the lives of other young ladies who are going through domestic violence," Watts' friend Gloria Douglas said.

Others at the event said they felt more at peace knowing Dunmore was behind bars. They are now looking to begin the healing process and fight for justice during Dunmore's trial.

Watts' was then buried at Mount Hope Cemetery after the celebration of life ceremony.

SEE ALSO | Police investigate 'crime of murder' in case of missing Moore Co. woman Allisha Watts: Warrants

Police suspect missing Moore County woman Allisha Watts was murdered, according to search warrants related to the case.