3-year-old laid to rest after house fire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Family and loved ones gathered Tuesday to remember a 3-year-old child killed in a tragic house fire.

Malachi Watkins and his 23-year-old mother, Lequeisha Watkins, died after flames tore through their Timon Street home. Through their deepest grief, family and friends of Malachi celebrated his life.

"For that short period of time he was a happy little fellow, ran around played with everybody. The parents took the baby to church which was a beautiful thing," said Superintendent of Miracle Christian Fellowship Center, Elfonzo Roberson.

Malachi and his mother both died as a result of a fire at their home on February 22, 2013. Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield attended the service.

"I bring greetings on behalf of the Buffalo Fire Department. I just want you to know that in your hour of grieving we grieve with you and we're praying for you," said Whitfield.

Commissioner Whitfield wanted the family to know their loved ones won't be forgotten by the fire department.

"We are public servants and we are here to serve you and you hurt, we hurt. We're just here to pay our respects and want you know if you need anything we're available to you," he said.

Malachi's family and friends take comfort that he and his mother are together.

"He was still holding on. Then it looked like he knew mom was gone so he was trying to toss between the two - should I stay here or should I go? And it looked like mom I want to be with you so that's a blessing within itself," said Roberson.

Through his death, Malachi saved others through organ donation.

"It was a love that shared that he could keep living on because of an example of giving," said Roberson.

Whitfield says the cause of the fire is still under investigation.