news-record.com

GREENSBORO — A year ago Friday, family and friends of Sherri Jackson saw their worst fears realized when the young woman’s remains were found buried in the backyard where her former boyfriend’s mother lived.

They’ll gather near that site again Friday night to remember Jackson and other victims of domestic violence with flowers, candles and pictures.

“We have to remember that domestic violence is out there,” said Portia Shipman, a friend of Jackson’s. “I used to think domestic violence hurt. But no, it actually kills.”

Jackson, 27, had been missing for 19 months before her former boyfriend confessed and led authorities to her body. In exchange for that information, DeCarlo Rayshaun Bennett pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 13 to 16 years  in prison.

The day Jackson’s body was found, Shipman created the Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, which is sponsoring Friday’s vigil.

In the past year, the fledgling nonprofit has presented domestic awareness workshops for area high school students, held fundraisers and set up other vigils. The group plans to move into its new office on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive next month and will offer classes, workshops and referrals for domestic violence victims at the new medical center on MLK Drive when it opens.

Shipman said she would love to have more volunteers, especially to help with Friday’s vigil. And the group continues raising money to pursue its mission: to raise awareness of domestic violence to the same level as breast cancer awareness.

“You know, domestic violence is around us. We can’t close our eyes to it,” Shipman said. “I hope to let people know I care about it. And if you care about it, stand with me.”

Contact Jennifer Fernandez at 373-7064 or jennifer.fernandez@news-record.com