ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A ceremony to honor Jessy Young Thomas was held at Collier Garden Apartments. Red and Purple balloons filled the air as prayers and hugs were shared.
“Support is crucial,” said Tamika Brown, the organizer of the event and Program Manager for Get Connected 815. “Support is crucial as well as awareness. We need to be here like it’s time to stand united together.”
The 25 year old was killed in a domestic shooting incident a few days before the ceremony. Her baby’s father died too. Police say he shot Jessy, then shot and killed himself. Many family, friends, neighbors, and community members came out to show their support for the young mother.
“It means that my sister was loved and anybody that came in contact with her loved her because her spirit was just uplifting, laughter, silliness, and she didn’t deserve this,” said Johnese Young a sister of Jessy. “She has so much life to live.”
Organizers and Jessy’s family took the time to speak about Domestic violence awareness. So many reiterating the importance of speaking up and looking out for one another in the community.