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HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Loved ones gathered in Harlem Friday for the funeral of Jordan Neely.

Reverend Al Sharpton delivered a powerful eulogy at Mount Neboh Baptist Church. Sharpton included remarks condemning vigilantism. Neely, 30, died after Marine Veteran Daniel Penny, 24, put him in a chokehold on an F train earlier this month.

Lawyers for Penny say Neely was threatening passengers, but a grand jury handed up an indictment and Penny has since been charged with manslaughter.

"We shouldn't not celebrate Jordan's life, but we should not forget how he died. We're not here because of natural causes," Sharpton said at the start of his eulogy. The reverend equated Neely's life of struggle to constantly being choked.

"A good Samaritan helps those in trouble, they don't choke them out," he added to much applause. The church was filled with mourners who often chanted "no justice, no peace" during the service.

"He was a homeless man but he was a human being. You don't deserve that. No, nobody deserves to die like that," mourner Noel McDonald said.

The former Michael Jackson impersonator more recently battled mental health problems and was in and out of psychiatric care more than 40 times, arrested another 40 times, and even accused of brutally beating a woman.

"Jordan was not annoying anyone on the train. Jordan was screaming for help. We keep criminalizing people with mental illness. They don't need abuse, they need help," Sharpton added.

Family members have said the trouble really started after Neely's mother was brutally murdered in 2007. The funeral for Jordan's mother was held at the same church.

In a new interview on "Nightline," one of Neely's aunts says he was homeless by choice.

"Not to my knowledge," said Midlred E.J.B. Mahazu," Neely's aunt. "I wouldn't consider Jordan being homeless. Jordan just liked to be out. He had a grandma and a grandpa here. He had aunts. He had uncles, right here. He just didn't want to be tied up, I guess. He'd do what he wanted to do concerning that, so we couldn't make him."

"So he, his choice was to live on the street?" Pitts asked.

"I assume he did," Mahazu said.

Sharpton stressed that the Neely family should not have to stand alone as they grieve Jordan's loss.

"In your name, we're gonna change how they deal with the homeless. In your name, we're gonna change city services. Jordan, you didn't die for nothing," Sharpton said.

Sharpton thanked Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who was at the service, for her advocacy for Jordan.

Eyewitness News learned detectives are still looking to interview people on that train, including at least one of the men who helped Penny hold Neely down.

There have been conflicting accounts from witnesses, some believing the chokehold went too far, while others are calling Penny a hero.

"If you look at Jordan, he was defenseless. He didn't fight them. He was just like, combo sweet. And I just feel bad for both families," mourner Sharon John said.

ALSO READ | Jordan Neely's family calls Daniel Penny's statement 'admission of guilt'

Jordan Neely's death sparks protest on subway tracks

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Jordan Neely NYC subway chokehold death: Reverend Al Sharpton to deliver eulogy, condemn vigilantism - WABC-TV

NEW YORK -- Rev. Al Sharpton said the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny is "just step one" in getting justice for Jordan Neely.

Sharpton again called for other subway riders seen on video restraining Neely while Penny held him in a chokehold to be held accountable.

Penny was arrested, arraigned and released on bond Friday. The 24-year-old Marine veteran was charged with second degree manslaughter in Neely's death on the subway.

"He's dealing with the situation with the sort of integrity and honor that is characteristic of who he is," said Thomas Kenniff, Penny's attorney.

Advocates said this is just the beginning of the long road toward justice. At a news conference Saturday morning, Sharpton is expected to call for other passengers who were on the subway to face consequences too.

On Friday, attorneys for Neely's family called for more serious charges. Neely's father and aunt were too distraught to speak.

"The consequences of manslaughter two is five to 15 years. Ask yourself, is that enough? Is that enough for someone who choked somebody out on the train and took their life?" said Lennon Edwards, an attorney for Neely's family.

Attorneys described how Neely's mental health declined after his mother was choked to death when he was a child. Despite intermittent treatment, a lack of resources left him homeless, they said.

"For everybody saying 'I've been on the train and I've been afraid before and I can't tell you what I would've done in that situation,' I'm gonna tell you. Ask how you can help, please," said Donte Mills, an attorney for Neely's family.

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At Penny's arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass alleged, "Several witnesses observed Mr. Neely making threats and scaring passengers, the defendant approached Mr. Neely from behind and placed him in a chokehold, taking him down to the ground."

They said Penny continued for several minutes, including after Neely stopped moving.

The defense told the judge Penny was cooperating with police, earned multiple medals in the Marine Corps before being honorably discharged and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in architecture at a college in New York City.

Penny did not have to enter a plea.

"Because the grand jury hasn't yet indicted him and the people, the prosecutor, plan to bring this before a grand jury," said legal expert Andrew Lieb.

Penny was questioned by police and released on the day of Neely's death. The Civilian Complaint Review Board is investigating NYPD's decision not to arrest him.

Sharpton said he has the same questions.

Christina Fan joined CBS2 News as a general assignment reporter in spring of 2019.

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Rev. Al Sharpton says Daniel Penny's arrest is "just step one" in getting justice for Jordan Neely - CBS News

Rev. Dr. Johnnie Melvin Green, Jr., Senior Pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church (1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard) in Harlem, through the family of Jordan Neely, has requested Rev. Al Sharpton deliver his eulogy when he is laid to rest on Friday, May 19th.

A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11 a.m.

Green is the longtime pastor for Neelys family and presided over his mothers funeral in 2007. The specifics of Neelys funeral, including the time of his wake and service, are still in formation and will be released as soon as possible.

RELATED: Jordan Neelys family responds to killer Daniel Pennys admission of guilt

I have asked Rev. Sharpton to deliver the eulogy at Jordans funeral, at the request and direction of the Neely family. As we face sorrow, pain, and uncertainty in the wake of Jordans senseless killing, it is crucial that we come together in the spirit of healing, action, and perseverance. I can think of no one better, no one more equipped to meet this moment with that grace and guidance than Rev. Sharpton.

Details on the arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced.

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Jordan Neely to be eulogized by Rev. Al Sharpton - Amsterdam News

Rev. Al Sharpton is delivering a eulogy Friday for Jordan Neely, the 30-year-old homeless man who was strangled to death by a passenger on a New York subway.

Neely died on May 1after being held in a stranglehold.

Last week, Daniel Penny was arrested and charged in connection to Neelys death.Pennys lawyers have reportedlysaid he acted out of self-defense.

Sharptons National Action Network said he is delivering the eulogy at the request of his family.

Neelys funeral is being held at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem.

Neelys family said he was experiencing a mental health episode while on the train. Sharpton and New York Mayor Eric Adams have condemned the killing.

Killing at the hands of a fellow passenger and the responses to this violence that took his life have been not only tragic but difficult to absorb, Adams said. Racism that continues to permeate throughout our society allows for a level of dehumanization that denies Black people from being recognized as victims when subjected to acts of violence. The perceptions of Black people have long been interpreted through a distorted, racialized lens that aims to justify violence against us. It is another example of how far we remain from an equitable and just society.

SEE MORE: Marine veteran who fatally choked NYC subway rider surrenders

Juan Alberto Vazquez told WNBCthat he and others on the train were scared, claiming that Neely yelled and threatened passengers. He said the chokehold lasted 15 minutes as Neely allegedly continued to kick and struggle with Penny and two other passengers.

Neelys death prompted protests in New York City and calls for action to help the citys homeless population.

There are more Jordans out there, people who are loved, people in need of compassion, treatment, and protection people like Jordan. Jordan Neely's life mattered. He was suffering from severe mental illness, but that was not the cause of his death. His death is a tragedy that never should have happened, Adams said.

Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com

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Rev. Sharpton eulogizes Jordan Neely, man killed on NY subway - 25 News KXXV and KRHD

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The National Action Network, a non-profit civil rights activism group headed by Rev. Al Sharpton, has warned it will "mobilize" against McDonald's unless the fast food company addresses accusations of racial discrimination.

Sharpton said he sent a letter to McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski on Thursday urging the company to acknowledge complaints of racism in its employment, advertising and franchising practices, though National Action Network did not publish a copy of the letter.

SHARPTON'S NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK SALARY NEARLY DOUBLES, SPENDING BIG ON PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS: REPORT

The Reverend Al Sharpton speaks at the National Action Network's annual conference. ((Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

"We find it appalling and inexcusable that McDonalds Corporation has not satisfied its differences with the Black community. There are lawsuits brought by Black franchises. Another brought by a Black former executive over racial discrimination from the highest levels," saidSharpton.

He added, "And lets not forget the $10 billion lawsuit brought by Byron Allen over the fact that Black-owned media did not get its fair share of McDonalds supersized advertising budgets."

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A sign stands outside of a McDonald's restaurant in San Francisco, California. ((Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) / Getty Images)

NAN specifically mentioned the removal of John Rogers from the McDonald's Corporation Board of Directors as an "issue" that must be addressed.

"We are also outraged at the removal of John Rogers, a well-respected business leader for the Black community, from the Board of Directors. We unequivocally demand they immediately acknowledge and address these issues, or we will begin a national campaign around McDonalds. You cannot sell Black folks Big Macs and give us little justice."

Al Sharpton speaks onstage during The National Action Network 2023 Convention in New York City. ((Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage) / Getty Images)

Rogers retired from the board of directors in March 2023 after 20 years with the company. He retired alongside fellow board member Robert Eckert, who joined at the board at the same time as Rogers in May 2003.

"These retirements are consistent with the Board's commitment to ongoing refreshment that maintains an appropriate balance of continuity and institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives among Directors," McDonald's explained last month in a press release announcing Rogers and Eckert's retirement.

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FOX Business reached out to both the McDonald's Corporation and National Action Network for comment.

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Sharpton threatens to protest McDonald's over racial discrimination, putting fast food chain 'on notice' - Fox Business