Hickory Funeral Home Holds Memorial For Zahra

HICKORY, N.C.,None — A memorial service for 10-year-old Zahra Baker is being held at the Drum Funeral Home in Hickory.

Photos Of Zahra Baker

RAW VIDEO: Zahra At Speedway Children's Charities Event In May

SLIDESHOW: Memorial Grows Outside Zahra's Home

Visitors stopped by the funeral home, located on 29th Avenue in Hickory, Thursday evening to sign a register book and view a memorial tribute to Zahra. Visitors can also go on Friday between 1 and 4 p.m.

People began arriving at the funeral home on Thursday morning, leaving flowers and other items in Zahra's memory.

SLIDESHOW: Memorial Held For Zahra Baker

VIDEO: Hickory Funeral Home Holds Memorial For Zahra

"I just wanted to come and pay my condolences to Zahra and her family. She seemed like she was such a happy little girl when she was living in Australia," visitor Pat Berry said.

Zahra's father, Adam Baker, had initially planned a public celebration of life service on Thursday for his daughter, but later decided to postpone the service and make it private.

The date and cause of death for Zahra, who was reported missing on Oct. 9, have not been determined. No one has been charged in Zahra's death or disappearance, and the investigation is ongoing.

The family requested that instead of flowers, memorials in Zahra's name go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Zahra's Obituary:

Zahra Clare Baker, 10, of Hickory, is in the presence of Angels and in the arms of her Heavenly Father. Zahra was born on November 16, 1999 in Wagga Wagga, Australia, daughter of Adam Baker and Emily Dietrich. She was a strong, courageous and fun person who was everyone's friend and protective of her family and friends. Zahra never met a stranger and was an inspiration to all those who knew her. She had a beautiful smile, an energetic personality and a wonderful sense of humor that gave her the ability to turn the worst possible situation into a fun situation.

Zahra was a very strong-willed individual that allowed her not to hold anything back. She taught her physicians and doctors not to set boundaries; she would set her own boundaries. Zahra was very athletic and won several swimming races in Australia. She attended Granite Falls Elementary School and Hudson Elementary School where she was on the A and B Honor Roll.

Zahra is survived by her father, Adam Baker of Hudson, NC; her mother, Emily Dietrich of Australia; paternal grandparents, Karen and Tony Baker of Australia; aunts and uncles, Kate Baker, Gemma Bell, Donna Shaw, David Baker, Scott Baker and Dale Baker, all of Australia; great-aunt, Mandy Edwards of Australia; great-uncles, Lance Edwards and Stephen Edwards, both of Australia; great-grandmother, Lola Edwards of Australia; and step-sisters, Amber Fairchild and Brittany Starbuck.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Zahra's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (1.800.805.5856).

WSOC