Hundreds attend funeral for Sandra Bland, woman who died in Texas jail

July 25, 2015 12:00 am • Last Updated: July 25, 2015 10:56 pm

Mourners arrive to mourn the death of Sandra Bland at the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church Saturday, July 25, 2015, in Lisle, Ill. An autopsy report released Friday found that Sandra Bland used a plastic trash bag to hang herself three days after a confrontational traffic stop. The 28-year-old woman’s family has questioned the findings, saying she was excited about starting a new job and wouldn’t have taken her own life. (Christian K. Lee/AP Photo)

Lisle, Ill. — Family and friends of an Illinois woman found dead in a Texas jail are remembering her as a "courageous voice" on social justice.

Hundreds attended Sandra Bland's funeral Saturday near the Chicago suburb where she grew up.

An autopsy released Friday found Bland used a plastic trash bag to hang herself three days after a confrontational traffic stop like the ones she railed against on social media. The 28-year-old woman's family has questioned the findings, saying she was excited about starting a new job and wouldn't have taken her own life.

The Rev. Theresa Dear told reporters outside the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church that Bland should be celebrated for standing up for herself.

The July 10 traffic stop became violent when Bland refused to get out of the car.

In this undated photo provided by the Bland family, Sandra Bland poses for a photo. The family of Bland, who was found dead in her Texas jail cell, assert that she would not have taken her own life, but authorities are pointing to mounting evidence that they say shows she hanged herself. (Courtesy of Bland family)

In this July 22, 2015 photo, the Waller County jail cell where Sandra Bland was found dead is seen, in Hempstead, Texas. (Pat Sullivan/AP file photo)

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