My son Joseph Perez was born October 9, 1990. That was the happiest day of my life. Although I was young, I was very proud to be a mother. Born 7lbs 6 ounces and 21 inches long, I had never seen such a beautiful baby. To see him grow year after year into the young man he was at age 17 was such a great experience.
On November 1, 2007 all of the happiness came crashing down when I had to identify my son at the hospital. My son was killed, shot 7 times by a multi felon that should not have been on the streets in the first place. My husband and I could not bring ourselves to id the body. Still in denial we kept calling Joseph’s phone. I finally built the courage to identify the body. I walked into the room and when I saw Joseph I lost my breath and instantly felt my heart just rip apart. Two days later we had to identify my son’s body again because there was a mix up between the hospital and the Medical Examiner’s office, they had my son listed as John Doe. To see my son lying there lifeless, murdered made me want to die.

Joseph was a very happy person with a wonderful sense of humor. Growing up he was very outgoing, loving and giving. He enjoyed music, sports and playing video games. Joseph graduated grammar school and received a lot of compliments from his teachers. He attended two years of high school before he passed. The principle of the high school, Joseph’s teachers and security guards from the school attended the funeral and had nothing but good things to say about Joseph

If it weren’t for my two youngest kids that are my rocks and still holding me up and making me smile and my husband that is keeping me strong, I don’t know what I would do with myself because the overwhelming feeling of losing your child and so violently is very traumatizing. As much as I try to distract myself, I can’t stop thinking about Joseph.

I miss every little thing about Joseph. Even after 4 years there is not a second that goes by without thinking about him. He was taking from me and the pain from losing him will never go away. I hate hearing as time goes by the pain will get easier. Well, it’s 4 years later and it feels as if it were yesterday.

Forever broken hearted, MOM

I’ve had a 3 years of confusion, frustration, and exhaustion. But along with that have come many blessings received and given. It seems like just yesterday I was calling you to tell you that I was on my way to come do your hair and help get the kids ready. As usual I had a last minute change in schedule but when I tried to call you back I got no answer.  Being the persistent mom that I am, I decided that I was coming anyway, maybe you were just out at the store.

Opening the door to your house changed my life forever in the worse way! I try not to see that door but it’s always there. I just know that God opened his door as well and took you and Ava to live with him. Noah knows this too. That’s what I’ve told him.  I’m sorry that you had to encounter such a demon that couldn’t understand your light that shone so bright, that’s why your Name was NOVA (SUPERNOVA: THE BRIGHTEST SHINING STAR!)…and Ava…I guess she was just here for a short while to come and get you cause God saw your pain and struggles, and he said NO MORE.

I’m comforted with the belief that you have no more pain or worries. I’m blessed to have had the greatest 24 years of my life with you. I remember when I became pregnant with you (last year of High School)..and I thought “Oh God” what will I do with a baby, I was set to go to college, have a career as an ATTORNEY (OF ALL THINGS..LOL.)..and live the jet set life of a single lady!..but I felt you in my womb and knew..not yet..This baby must be born..so I set it all aside for you..and I thank God for the chance to have done that..and I thank you for choosing me as your Mommi, and thank Ava for being her Gramma.  She was just learning to call me MAMA..:)..I remember her snapping her little fingers and dancing like you did. You were a great mom to both of your children. (Noah and Ava). You sacrificed as well for them..You gave your life for them.

I told everyone to meet me at church on Sunday to remember you and hear a good word. I don’t wanna go to the cemetery cause I don’t feel you there..just death..and you and Ava are life personified to me..So with the Spirit of Memories I will sit in the pews tomorrow and pray for what your life was and how your woes can help others..Missing my Missy and my Chocomama ladygirl….

ALWAYS AND FOREVER. I know you watch over us. We love you and miss you. Mommi.

On April 4,2008, Terry Turner, Jr. and I became the proud parents of a beautiful nine-pound girl that we named Terriana. I also have a 15-year-old son named Ivan, so Terry became a father double-time and he was the best. He truly loved our children. Right after Terriana was born, Terry and I married on April 16,2008, at City Hall in San Francisco.

January 13,2011 was a Thursday, a pretty much regular day except for a few comments that now three-year-old Terriana made about her Daddy that caught my ear. On the way home from pre-school, she said to me,”My Daddy’s gone.” Later that day, I put her to bed and my phone rang. I let the machine pickup the call and I could hear my sister-in-law’s voice. Earlier that day, Terry was chased into a San Francisco coffee shop and shot numerous times in face and head. The shooter then took a laptop bag out of Terry’s hands then shot him again.

On January 14, 2011, the shooter was caught – a man who had known Terry for many years. Next week will be a year since Terry’s murder. I was in court on January 5th and still there is no set date for trial.

I have lost almost all my friends to gun violence. For what reason? My heart goee out to all who are suffering from their loss of a loved ones.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING NOT JUST ME, BUT ALL WHO ARE SHARING THEIR STORIES AND TRIBUTES OF LOVED ONES.
PEACE AND BLESSINGS
Mrs. Terry Turner
HAVE FAITH

On July 28, 2011 my son Eric was murdered on a Brooklyn sidewalk by 3 teenagers as he was walking to the store to buy cigarettes. Eric was a loving son (my teddy bear) and wonderful brother and friend. He was a talented tattoo artist who friends loving referred to as “Beast”.  Eric had a warm heart and showed this by always looking out for his family and friends. I miss him so much! No mother should have to endure the endless pain that comes with receiving that fateful phone call.

I believe that everyone who has been affected in some way with tragedy as a result of gun violence should join together and bring attention to this growing epidemic of children killing children. Let’s make America a safe place for our children!

Eric Reyes was loved by so many people.He was a father, brother, son and a loved friend to many. Eric was shot down in Lindsay, California, but later died in Fresno. He was the fourth of seven children. He leaves behind one daughter that he based his life around – his “babylove,” he called her. On November 8, 2011, we laid him to rest. Although we miss him dearly, he is in a better place. He entered into heaven with our other brother who passed five years ago due to a car accident. Eric missed his brother so much and now they are together at last. He is greatly missed here in Lindsay by many people. He was the type of man that when he entered a room, his smile would be seen right away.  The coward that killed my brother is still out there. We must all be aware that guns are very harmful and should be kept out of the hands of the monsters who commit violence. There are no words to describe our heart-aching pain due to guns, so we must stop gun violence before there are more people who will suffer and undergo the anguish that my family and others have gone through. WE LOVE AND WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU, ERIC.

DreShawn was a talented smart loving father of 1 and was only 4 short days away from welcoming his son to this world when he was shot in the head and his lifeless body dumped on a side street blocks from his home. Unbeknownst to many, Dre was a gentle yet trusting young man who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Many label his murder as “gang-related” or “drug related” that would be a logical explanation for the media. But for the family that knew him, his heart and his goals, he was just a young man who wanted to show he could make it on his own. He was so excited to have just moved into his own apartment and start working his own job on his way to independence. No one has come forward to admit, or confess what they did/know but the family has a strong faith in God and we know that God is working on the hearts of all those involved and it will l only be a matter of time before they confess and free themselves from the pain of this mistake to take Dre’s life. He has a 17 month old daughter and 7 month old son to carry on his legacy. DreShawn loved to sing and was also a unique songwriter. If you go to Youtube, you will find some of his raps and songs on the webpage. In his raps, Dre rapped about real life issues as told to him by friends and what he saw on TV. DreShawn was in love with the mother of his children Kala. The two of them had dreams of raising this happy family. Due to Dre’s being brutally murdered Kala has been left with the task to raise two young babies without a father. The family and community vow to ensure these babies beat the odds and become all that God desired them to be. DreShawn also left to cherish his memory his mother Giovanni, father Fred, brother Yashua and 2 sisters Precious and baby and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. This loss has left a hole in many of our hearts and we just pray for peace for the anonymous coward who pulled the trigger and ended this precious life of our son, nephew, cousin, father, lover, friend. Rest In Heaven DreShawn!

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DreShawn Lamond Cooper, A Talented Singer/Song Writer, A 19 Year-Old Citizen Of Fort Wayne, Indiana Who Did Nothing But Love And Respect Everyone He Came In Contact With. DreShawn Always Said And Meant “Love Is Always Love” No Matter How Wrong Someone May Have Done Him, He Still Loved Them, Because That Was The God In Him ! DreShawn Was Shot And Killed, Found On June 2, 2011, DreShawn Was Pronounced Dead At The Scene. His Death Brought A Mass Of Hurt On The Family, And Fort Wayne As A Whole! When Will The Violence Stop? When Will We All Understand That It’s Time For A Change? That God Is The Only One Able? I Pray That There’s Justice For DreShawn, But Until Then, I Know That He’s Safe In God’s Arms!

Our precious Jennifer was the sunshine of our lives. Her smile lit up the room whenever and wherever she entered. She was always doing something for others, so caring, sharing what she had with those who did not have as much.
Her ex-husband lured her over to his apartment- he said it was urgent. He had a plan and he did not know how to tell the kids. He shot her three times with a shotgun and left her dying on his apartment floor. On May 11, 2005, our lives were changed forever. He killed her but he could not diminish her spirit. She shines as brightly now as she ever did. We miss her so much!

Little did I know when I dropped off my son, Christopher Williamson, at a friend’s house Friday morning March 24, 2006 that it would be the last time I would see him alive. While trying to help two young ladies find a way home, he ended up at the home of friends where a mad man was planning to kill. On a sunny Saturday morning, Christopher was shot and killed along with five other innocent victims. My life changed forever. At 21, Christopher had his life planned – marriage, children and a wonderful future. I miss him more today than five years ago. What a terrible lost we all endured that morning.

This is a tribute for Harvey Milk and for all others victims of violence. We must come together to stop violence in this country.  We must come together to stop violence in this country. ‘Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream’ (Amos 5.24).

Dream deferred. You had so many plans, gone but not forgotten.  You did not realize how many people loved you.  We will never forget you and I hope that we can get peace from this terrible tragedy. Your Grandmother who nurtured you from age 3. I still cry for you.  May God help me and coach McGathy who tried to raised you the correct way.
December 20,1988 – October 23, 2011
Gone too soon.
Let’s end gun violence.
Shot and killed by unknown.

My son, Darius Brown, 13-years-old, was gunned down while playing basketball at the park on Chicago’s south side. It was was a warm sunny day and he was doing what he loved to do. Darius was a great kid with a bright future ahead of him. Too many lives have been cut short due to gun violence.

My son Brian was shot in the face by the hand of his brother and died instantly.
http://Brian-Clark.virtual-memorials.com

My son was shot and killed when visiting his friend whose father kept a gun loaded and unlocked for “protection.” The boy thought he’d unloaded the gun when he removed the loaded ammunition clip but a bullet was still hidden in the chamber.

Of course that was a childish mistake but I learned that it happens frequently but that firearms are exempt from consumer product safety regulation so the gun industry does not build prominent chamber loaded indicators into most firearms. Then I met hundreds of other victims of the gun industry’s negligence and learned that in many cases their child had died due to the power of the gun lobby.

Jan was a beautiful, loving wife of 27 years, wonderful Mother, and an incredible life force. A cowardly monster armed with a 9mm semi automatic handgun with a 15 round clip, mercilessly shot Jan twice in the back as she was trying to get away. The killer was at the home of my best Friend, Steve Mazin, laying in wait to kill him, and Jan and I were there to see Steve at the time and in the proverbial “wrong place at the wrong time”, and included in the coward’s hateful rage.

I was shot and left for dead, but by the grace of God survived, and our three children still have at least one parent in their life. Steve was shot dead. The killer had a restraining order against him by Steve as Steve knew he was capable of doing exactly what he did. He also had in his possession a .357 Magnum and a .38. Three handguns he had NO business having with a violent restraining order against him! The coward killed another young Mother the following day after stealing a vehicle, pistol whipped her two children almost to death, and then following a police chase, put a bullet into his brain like so many of these cretin monsters do. WE MUST FIGHT HARD TO KEEP DANGEROUS WEAPONS FROM THE HANDS OF DANGEROUS PEOPLE!!!!!

On Memorial Day May 30th, 2005, my parents were returning a boat to my dad’s best friend, Steve. Steve had recently obtained a restraining order against Toby Whelchel, a man who a judge deemed a credible threat of violence. Whelchel was lying in wait for Steve that day, and he walked up to the group and opened fire, shooting Steve and my father multiple times.

My mom, Jan, tried to save Steve’s life rather than run away. Neighbors told me that they heard her beg the killer to stop. His response was to shoot her in the back, killing her. Whelchel fled the scene and the next day killed another mother, wounded her two children, and shot a police officer before taking his own life.

After weeks of recovery in the ICU, my dad overcame his injuries. Once we had a chance to mourn, we learned more information about my mom’s killer. He owned three guns. He was also the subject of a restraining order, had been dishonorably discharged from the military, and had a criminal charge for fighting police officers less than a year before the murders.

I never imagined my family would be affected by gun violence. How could we be? We lived in Thousand Oaks, California, consistently ranked one of the safest cities in America. When the papers wrote of my parents involvement they said that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. These vigils stand to show that there is never a right place or right time for gun violence. The fact is that there are far too many victims of gun violence in this country because we allow deadly weapons to get into the hands of deadly individuals and the time has come for us to stand as one and prevent families from going through the pain and suffering we have undergone.

I miss you and love you Mom.

I would like to honor my mother, Jacqueline Kellibrew and brother Anthony Cephas who were both shot and killed on 2 July, 1984. Although they have been taken from this earth physically, their spirit is here today in the movement to end gun violence. No matter how long you both are gone, we will always remember you and love you. From the family.

The William Kellibrew Foundation is committed to breaking the cycles of violence and poverty.