Crime victims remember loved ones

WEDOWEE–Despite the heat, a large crowd gathered for the 11th annual Candlelight Memorial Service Thursday behind the courthouse, including victims’ families and friends, members of the district attorney’s office, court system, and law enforcement.

Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Major Gregg Dendinger acted as emcee, and Circuit Clerk Chris May gave the invocation.

Thomas Weaver sang “I Feel Like Going On,” but said this is a very hard time for him and his family. He is the half brother of Rodriquez Martel Staples, 30, of Roanoke, who was killed Jan. 12, 2013 at the Travelers Inn in Roanoke.

Assistant district attorney Amy Newsome said it was an honor to be there in the company of law enforcement officers who dedicated their lives to keeping the county safe. She said they deserve thanks for what they do–for their dedication against those who refuse to follow the law.

“I know from first-hand experience what you face in your jobs. Your diligent investigations make my job so much easier to prosecute offenders. I am proud to call each of you friend. Because of you sometimes we obtain some justice for the victims,” she said.

She introduced the recipient of the 2014 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Chief Deputy Billy Lane, and presented him with a plaque. He serves as the right-hand man to Sheriff David Cofield. He began his law enforcement career in 1997 and came to the sheriff’s office from the Roanoke Police Department. Newsome mentioned the many responsibilities he handles, from keeping track of sexual offenders to supervising deputies. You can count on him to get the job done, she said.

Pam Moore Towler sang “Fill My Cup.” Her brother, David Norred, was killed at the family business on Highway 431 near the Chambers County line.

Dendinger introduced chief deputy district attorney Damon Lewis from the Alexander City office, saying he speaks for the victims.

Lewis joined the DA’s office in 1998. He said he has walked a little bit in the victims’ shoes and walked a little bit in the survivors’ shoes, and the memories of those who are gone will live forever.

“We’re going to fight for your victims every single day,” he said.

Diane Walden, the victims’ service officer for the Fifth Judicial District, which includes Randolph County, told those present they were there to remember their loved ones. She invited families and friends to come and light a candle in memory of a loved one. She explained she was one of them. In April of 1981 her life changed forever when her father, Marion Stone, went to work and was killed.

Most of those lighting a candle were deeply emotional but perhaps none more so than Richard Jones’ mother. Like others she barely got through the candle-lighting ceremony. Many family and friends remembered Richard Jones who was killed in May 2013 while waiting for his wife, Mary Brasington Jones, at the business where she worked. She was shot multiple times but survived.

Many of those lighting a candle for victims of violence remembered more than one victim.

Brian Conaray played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

Sgt. Donnie Strain thanked all who came to support the families.

Walden was embraced by some family members and pulled into their circle as they remembered their loved ones. She noted most of them had been there every year since they started doing this.

Genice Wilson, who helped Walden with the handing out of candles and the victims’ sign-in sheet, remembered her father and stepmother, Calvin Gross and Norma Vinson Gross. It has been almost 19 years, she said.

“It gets easier but you never forget,” she said.