After domestic violence walk, Valerie Holt Craven's daughter reflects
A sea of purple traveled South on Main St. in Lexington Sunday afternoon in honor of the later Valerie Holt Craven and victims of domestic violence. {Contributed photo}
The children and grandchildren as well as family, friends and community members gathered on Sunday, October 29 in Uptown Lexington for a domestic violence walk in honor of Valerie Holt Craven. A longtime beloved employee of the Davidson County Public Library - Lexington, Craven passed away in November 2004.
With approval from her children, Ashely Bowens and Clifton Craven II, their cousin, Laura Holt Fuller (who was Craven’s best friend) organized the walk. According to Bowens, Fuller began developing the idea after they attended Family Services of Davidson County’s (FSDC) annual domestic violence vigil at Davidson-Davie Community College.
Bowens and her brother, Clifton Craven II, attended FSDC’s annual Domestic Violence vigil earlier this month at Davidson-Davie Community College. {Contributed photo}
Utilizing the tagline, ‘Val Strong’, approximately 85 attendees (many wearing purple t-shirts adorned with Craven’s photo), walked from the Lexington Police Department to the library. Participants heard from FSDC represenatative, April Lawson, Pat King (whose son was a victim of domestic violence) and Robin Parker (whose mother was a victim.)
“This was important because it keeps my mom’s memory alive and brings awareness to domestic violence,” said Bowens. “We are planning to make this an annual event.”
They’re also planning to create a scholarship in her honor. Although the walk was in Craven’s honor, the family encouraged anyone who has encountered or lost a family member/friend due domestic violence to attend.
When asked what would she like people to know about her mother, Bowens stated, “I would like people to know she was the sweetest lady and would give the shirt off her back to anyone. She was the best friend and mom and never judged anybody. She is the reason my brother and I have become the people we are today.”
*If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs help, FSDC has a 24-hour crisis line. They can be reached at (336)243-1934. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
