Bainbridge, Georgia- August 10, 2012
Barbara Williford is on a mission. A mission to make sure no other mother has to bury a child because of gang violence.
"The way that Ebony lost her life, I don't want another child or parent to end up like she did," she said.
Her daughter, 21 year-old Ebony Clarke was shot on Aug. 12, 2008. She was an innocent bystander to a fight. Ebony left behind a four month old son, Ty.
"I want to educate the community and get with the mothers and make sure they know where their kids are at all times," Williford said.
At a candle light vigil on Friday night, Williford and other members of the community joined together to remember their lost loved ones and raise awareness about gang violence.
Geraldine Peterson lost her son to gang violence as well.
"Everybody just needs to get together and stop killing eachother," Peterson said.
Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin added, "Miss Williford has turned this into a positive experience, setting an example for other people to follow to stop the violence, not only in this community, but in every community in the United States."
Life will never be the same for Williford or for Ty, but with each day, she gets stronger.
"Really really bad, really lonely, really sad, but with me doing this, what I'm doing, I'm healing," she said.
There will also be a march Saturday, Aug. 11 from the Bainbridge Housing Authority to Willis Park, starting at 10 a.m. to honor Clarke.
