Carmelo Anthony mourns older sister at funeral service outside Baltimore

Carmelo Anthony has been absent from the team since last week, when his 38-year-old sister died of a "pre-existing condition." Yesterday, the family held a funeral service outside Baltimore, where Anthony was raised. Michelle Anthony was twelve years older than Carmelo. She is survived by four children and three other...

By Kiernan Maletsky

December 28, 2010

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Carmelo Anthony has been absent from the team since last week, when his 38-year-old sister died of a "pre-existing condition." Yesterday, the family held a funeral service outside Baltimore, where Anthony was raised.

Michelle Anthony was twelve years older than Carmelo. She is survived by four children and three other siblings. The Baltimore Sun was at the service; click through for more details.

According to the Sun, Carmelo did not speak at the service.

Little has been released about Michelle's life and death, but this is obviously a terrible loss. From the Sun:

Bishop Randolph Corporal from Love Crowd Christian Light Church in Baltimore recited Scriptures describing the splendor and beauty of heaven. He described Michelle Anthony as his "favorite girl."

"If it wasn't for the Lord, I don't know what I would do today," Corporal told the crowd. "Let not your heart be troubled. We pray to God that he will keep you and strengthen you."

The team has been understandably quiet on the matter, save for a brief statement from Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri: "Our entire organization supports Carmelo during this difficult time for him and his family. It is heartbreaking news, particularly during the holiday season."

Indeed. We join the long list of people offering Carmelo their sincere condolences.

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