Some 300 friends, family members and supporters of Terri Schiavo on Thursday gathered at a church in Pinellas Park, Florida, for a memorial service in honor of the disabled woman who was at the center of the nation’s most celebrated right-to-life battle.

The service began with a video presentation of the song, “I Can Only Imagine” by the group Mercy Me. Several pastors then took the pulpit to express both sorrow and hope in light of Terri's passing.

Robert Schindler, Schiavo’s father, stopped by the service to thank those in attendance for their support.

"I was compelled to come here, just to drop by, if for nothing else, just to thank you all," Schindler said. “You've given our family so much support," he continued. "It got us through some real tough times and we're so appreciative of it and we'll never forget you all. I just thank you so, so much, and Terri thanks you."