Thousands at service for late Bishop

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Thousands packed the Virginia Beach Convention Center Friday afternoon for a memorial service honoring the late Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood. Church leaders from across the nation joined members and friends to celebrate the pastor's life.

Thoroughgood's friend Stanley Washington told WAVY.com, "Not only was Bishop Thoroughgood a great man of God, but he was thoroughly good. He was thoroughly good in his presence. He was thoroughly good in his friendship to the community. He was a family man. He loved children and he loved Sister Ernestine Thoroughgood [very] much. We're going to miss him, but his work and his legacy will live on."

Thoroughgood, 62, died moments after he delivered his last Sunday sermon at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ.

Thoroughgood founded the church more than 40 years ago. He greatly touched the community he served, which was evident from the crowd present at Friday's celebration of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, a daughter and three sons.

WAVY TV 10's Ava Hurdle was among those present. Watch her report tonight on WAVY News 10, beginning at 6 p.m.