jennifer hudsonA public memorial service to the murdered members of Jennifer Hudson’s family took place in Chicago last night.

Jennifer’s mum Darnell Donerson and brother Jason were shot in their home in the city on 24th October and the body of her seven year old nephew Julian King was found in an abandoned car last Monday, also killed through multiple gunshot wounds.

Julian’s teacher Carmen Williams spoke about the second grade student saying he was “a role model, an academic whiz and a best friend” and some of his classmates also spoke, remembering him as a generous and funny boy.

A cousin of the family Shari Sweat added that Jennifer’s mum, known as Doll, submitted her vote for tomorrow’s presidential election just before the shooting: “Doll refused to be left out of this historical moment in this nation, and before she left these shores she cast her vote.”

Another family member, Rev. Quentin Washington added: “They are all in Heaven having a ‘hallelujah good time.’ Their lives … were not in vain. Their legacies live on.”

Jennifer did not attend the ceremony at the Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church near their South Side home but is expected to attend a private memorial later today. Last week, the Oscar winner announced she had established a foundation to help families of other violent crime victims in honour of her family members.