IN THEIR MEMORY: Families, school dedicate bench to students
Published 10:28 am Friday, October 9, 2015
The families of Jevonta L. Dickey and Shaquan Richardson on Thursday dedicated a bench at Brookhaven High School in honor of the two teens who were killed in 2014.
The families gathered around the bench, set under a tree across from Brookhaven High School, for the ceremony.
![Family members gather around a bench dedicated to Jevonta Dickey and Shaquan Richardson Thursday. From left: Gertrude Hamilton, Virginia Harris, LaMesha Nobles, Fernandria Byrd, Nia Richardson, Shirley Porter-Richardson, Annie Sanders, Akyra Hunt, Cadee Mitchell and Alexis Hunt. In the back are Ben Cox and Tommy Clopton.](https://www.dailyleader.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2015/10/1009memorial-bench-alternate-edited-300x170.jpg)
Family members gather around a bench dedicated to Jevonta Dickey and Shaquan Richardson Thursday. From left: Gertrude Hamilton, Virginia Harris, LaMesha Nobles, Fernandria Byrd, Nia Richardson, Shirley Porter-Richardson, Annie Sanders, Akyra Hunt, Cadee Mitchell and Alexis Hunt. In the back are Ben Cox and Tommy Clopton.
“From the family of Jevonta, we thank the school and everyone for their prayers and support,” said Dickey’s mother Virginia Harris.
“From the Sanders, Richardson and Porter families, we would like to thank the school for all they have done – amidst all of the trial and tribulation – for Shaquan Richardson on this occasion,” said Richardson’s aunt Annie Sanders.
Also present were Superintendent Ben Cox, football coach Tommy Clopton and Sue Gunnell, who helped Gertrude Hamilton with organizing the event.
“We’re just happy that Ms. Gunnell and Ms. Hamilton got this going,” said Cox. “It’s a small thing we were able to do for the families, and we were happy to do that.”
The bench reads “In Loving Memory” and “Sit and rest awhile. Laugh, cry, remember me …”
Dickey and Richardson died on Oct. 18, 2014, after their vehicle was struck by Charles Acy’s Hummer. Acy is alleged to have been speeding while under the influence of drugs.
Acy was indicted on March 24, 2015, after pleading not guilty to two charges of DUI homicide. His trial is set for Dec. 1.