Atlanta pays respects to beloved congressman John Lewis

ATLANTA — Atlanta turned out to pay respects to a beloved Civil Rights icon Thursday.

Rep. John Lewis was buried Thursday afternoon after a six-day celebration of life that included stops in his hometown of Troy, Alabama, Washington D.C. and a final stop in Atlanta.

During a private funeral, Lewis was eulogized by former Pres. Obama and remembered by dozens of fellow lawmakers, staff and family members and Atlanta leaders as well as former presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush.

The private funeral didn't keep everyday people in Atlanta from coming out to celebrate the congressman's life.

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Channel 2′s Richard Elliot was outside the state Capitol, where Lewis’ casket was carried out early in the morning to start the procession to Ebenezer.

One mother said she had to come in-person to say her goodbyes.

"He's a personal hero to me," Lisa Stoner said. "He's also the representative for my district."

Stoner said John Lewis answered her daughter's call two years ago and joined them on a student's march for social justice. Stoner showed Elliot a photo of the March for Our Lives Atlanta, which her daughter was one of the original student organizers for.

"He was really kind, and I thought I should be here," Stoner said.

Nathan Collins stood outside the Capitol to pay his respects too. He first met John Lewis when he was a graduate student at Howard University.

"He's worked and given a life of service, and it's now time for him to take his rest," Collins said. "He's no longer suffering, so that's a beautiful thing to know, that he's now in a place of peace."

Rosemary, who didn't want to give her last name, watched as the hearse pulled away, followed by members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.

She said she hopes others watch all the memorials to John Lewis and learn from it.

"To be vigilant. To never stop. Don't give up and do what you can, you know?' Rosemary said. "Do what you can for what you believe in, and remember to lead with love."

Channel 2′s Carol Sbarge was outside Ebenezer Baptist Church. where hundreds of mourners gathered outside and watched as a video screen streamed the service live.

One man said that he once ran into Lewis at a shop where they were both getting their oil changed on their cars. He said the congressman talked to him for 45 minutes.

Recent high school graduate Michael Johnson said he just learned about Lewis in school.

“All the things he did with Dr. King... he just really inspired me,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s mom, Seletha Johnson, was with him.

“It was very important for me to bring my son out,” Johnson said. “I like to share historical events with him so he can carry those things on.”

Some people said they will always be grateful for how Congressman Lewis represented his district for so many years.

“He meant a lot to our neighborhood, to the neighborhood of Inman Park,” Patricia Fisher said.

“He’s our representative and one of our American heroes,” Fred Fisher said.

Michael Johnson said there is one very clear way his generation can honor Lewis.

“Even though hes’s gone, he’s passed away, we still can continue on his legacy, even by going to vote,” Johnson said.

Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon was at the John Lewis mural in downtown Atlanta, were mourners continued to leave cards and flowers.

Dr. Kenneth Willhoite visited the mural to pay his respects to Lewis.

“I have had the opportunity to cook for him,” Willhoite said. “I have the pictures to prove it… and let me tell you, he loved his soul food”

Willhoite even brought along a large cake to honor his old friend.

Near the mural, Atlanta Fire trucks hoisted a giant American Flag above Auburn Avenue.

“He was a civil rights leader who pretty much sacrificed and worked so that we are able to have the rights and liberties that we have now as African American people,” one mourner said.

Pres. Obama speaks at funeral for Rep. John Lewis Obama urged the public to follow in Lewis' footsteps and work to protect voting rights. (WSBTV Only)

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