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LIFE

Walk to raise money for youths' tombstones

Saturday, January 21, 2012
(Updated 3:00 am)

A local organization will host a walk today to raise money to pay for the tombstones of the Pleasant Garden shooting victims.

In November, Mary Ann Holder shot and killed  her two sons, Dylan Smith, 17, and Zack Smith, 14; her niece, Hana Suttles, 8; her nephew, Ricky Suttles, 17; and Dylan’s girlfriend, Makayla Woods, 15. Holder, 36, then committed suicide.

Today’s “Walk for Life” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hagan-Stone Park, whether it’s rainy or sunny, organizers said. The money will go to a fund for the victims’ families managed by Pleasant Garden Baptist Church and will cover the cost of the children’s tombstones.

Isaiah Jackson, a walk organizer, said he and his friends wanted to bring the community together after the tragic shootings.

“I’m sure there will be some tears involved, but it will be more of an uplifting thing,” he said.

Jackson, who attended Southeast Guilford High School with Makayla Woods, said the goal is to raise $7,000 for the fund.

Rocky Smith, Holder’s ex-husband and the father of two victims, plans to give any excess money to another charity, Jackson said.

Registration for the walk will begin at 9 a.m. The entry fees are as follows:

  • $5 per single person.
  • $10 per group of 2-5 people.
  • $15 per group of 6-10 people.
  • $20 per group of 11 or more people.

Rocky Smith and Christina Smith, Holder’s daughter, will speak and perform music at the event, which will have other entertainment and refreshments. The J.P.F. Christian organization, whose name stands for “just pray for,” is co-hosting the event with Pleasant Garden Baptist Church.

Contact Dioni L. Wise at 373-7090 or dioni.wise @news-record.com
 

Accompanying Photos

Photo Caption: Hanaleigh Michelle Suttles (clockwise from top left), Makayla Lee Woods, Dylan Smith, Richard Brian “Ricky” Suttles and Zachary Lee “Zack” Smith.

Comments

This article has been closed to new comments. Comments are generally closed after 14 days. However, comments may be closed earlier at the discretion of the News & Record.

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stop_saying_youre_conservative

January 21, 2012 - 11:44 am EST

Shouldn't that couple that was trying to extort $10,000 from the obviously unbalanced Ms. Holder have to kick in something?

cr8er

January 21, 2012 - 8:47 pm EST

I don't understand how the man could have an affair for four years, but yet SHE has to give HIM $10,000. Alienation of affection laws make no sense to me. -sitting in judgment and don't know the whole story

retiree

January 22, 2012 - 7:12 am EST

If the Lakeview Memorial Park is donating burial spaces, why doesn't a monument company step in and get some free advertising by donating the markers? By doing so they would become well known for their actions and would generate more business. Sure beats advertising in the N&R or yellow pages.

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