About 330 fans gathered at the Carmike Cinema in Conyers July 7 to celebrate the life of the late pop-icon Michael Jackson and watch a live satellite broadcast of his star-studded memorial service from Los Angeles.

When asked why they came to the free showing, many fans said they wanted to be with others instead of watching the service alone at home.

Eugene Johnson of Conyers, (right) a lifelong fan, said his big screen TV had just gone out. He had fond memories of going to see the Jackson 5 with his father, the first concert he ever saw. "Oh, I got a lot of history with the Jacksons," he said.

Elizabeth Louis, a 1986 graduate of Heritage High, was home visiting her mother Barbara Lewis, (bottom, first two seats). "I thought it'd be nice to see it with a bunch of other people," she said, as a cheer went up when the image of the Staple Center came on the screen.

Earlisha Williams of Atlanta, Zandra Mapp of Lithonia, Adriane Bradshaw of Conyers and Carla Felton of Lithonia (below right) met in line and bonded over this shared experience. "I wanted to be among other Michael Jackson fans to celebrate," said Mapp. "This kind of celebration is what exemplified Michael Jackson," added Felton.