Family and friends of Valerie Holt-Craven and Jason Corbett gather in their memory
Balloons were releases at ceremonies held to remember Valerie Holt-Craven and Jason Corbett [Photo by: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave]
The skies over Lexington were dotted with shades of purple Sunday afternoon as masses of balloons ascended in remembrance of citizens that lost their lives to domestic violence.
Purple was chosen as the color to represent domestic violence awareness, symbolizing survival and peace. The color also represents a dedication to ending domestic violence.
The somber mood of each ceremony was matched by outpours of love, lots of hugs and the hope that there would be no more victims.
Family and friends preparing to walk in memory of Valerie Holt-Craven. [Photo by: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave]
A walk was held from the police department in Uptown Lexington to the Davidson County Public Library on South Main Street in recognition of Valerie Holt-Craven. Family and friends gathered wearing custom t-shirts bearing a beautiful photograph of Craven.
Balloons hover over The Davidson County Public Library after being released in memory of Valerie Holt-Craven [Photos by: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave]
The walk commenced with participants pausing for a moment of quiet reflection before filling the atmosphere with balloons that floated directly above the building of the Davidson County Public Library. A building where Craven worked as a librarian for over twenty five years.
One of the event organizer, Laura Holt-Fuller spoke of the family’s dedication and personal efforts to create a literacy program and a scholarship to preserve the memory of Craven.
Family and friends of Valerie Holt-Craven [Photos by: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave]
Sarah Corbett-Lynch stands in front of her father Jason’s memorial at Multi Packaging Solutions in Linwood. [Photos by: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave]
The second ceremony held in the parking lot of Multi Packaging Solutions in Linwood marked the remembrance of Jason Corbett. Hosted by Corbett’s daughter Sarah Corbett-Lynch, an author who spoke eloquently while encircled by supporters in front of a memorial placed in honor of Jason Corbett. Lynch delivered a statement encouraging everyone to remember Corbett as a fun loving father and friend.
The parking lot of Multi Packaging Solutions was filled with the friends and family of Jason Corbett [Photos by: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
April Lawson who is the Shelter Coordinator and Victim Advocate at Family Services in Davidson County attended both ceremonies and shared information about the services offered by Family Services.
“Help is available 24/7 for anyone that needs it and everything is confidential. We response immediately and try to intervene by providing support and services to victims of domestic and sexual violence” offered Lawson.
Lawson also stated that “Crisis Intervention Advocates are available to support anyone experiencing domestic and or sexual violence, seeking resources and information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.”
Confidential help is available locally to anyone that needs it by calling 336-243-1934 or by visiting the Davidson County Family Services website at www.fsdc.org for more information.
Remember your first call if you are experiencing violence should always be 911.
In memory of Valerie Holt Craven, Jason Corbett and everyone that has lost their life to domestic violence in our community and world wide.
Supporters gathered in support of Jason Corbett’s memory [Photos by: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave]
