Slain Woman Remembered As Vivacious, Tenacious

INDIANAPOLIS -- A memorial service was held on Sunday for Heather Norris, 20, whose boyfriend told police a little more than a month ago that he stabbed, burned and dismembered her.

The service was not about Norris' death, but focused on her life as hundreds turned out to pay tribute, 6News' Cheryl Jackson reported.

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Images: Police Say Woman Stabbed, Dismembered

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Family members and friends told stories about Norris. She was described as fun loving, happy and tenacious.

Friends said Norris loved sports and had plenty of friends. A projector showed numerous pictures of the girl's life, eliciting sobbing and sniffling from the crowd.

Howard Ely, who coached Norris on the basketball coach, said he knew the girl since she was about 12 years old.

"I think it's very tragic. I think it's a real loss to the world. To not have someone like that, someone with a personality like that around, it's like getting rid of all the roses in the world," Ely said. "The world is less beautiful because she's not here."

Chase Bank is collection money for domestic violence education in Heather's name. CIS Credit Union is also accepting donations for a Heather Norris Scholarship Fund.

Joshua Bean, 23, is charged with murder in the Norris case.