On Wednesday evening, Jacksonville residents assembled at Kings Road Memorial Park in the Grand Park neighborhood to remember three lives lost in the August 26, 2023 Dollar General shooting. The gathering, organized by local faith groups and community volunteers, featured a candlelight vigil, gospel music, and remarks that linked remembrance with a call to action for the city.
Families honor loved ones
Angela Carr, a 52‑year‑old mother and grandmother, was remembered by her family as they held candles and shared stories of her devotion. Jerrald Gallion, a 29‑year‑old father, was celebrated by relatives wearing shirts with his portrait and the words “Forever 29.” A.J. Laguerre, a 19‑year‑old Dollar General employee who loved video games, was honored by his siblings, who displayed photographs of him during the service.
Faith leaders frame the memorial
Tonya L. Brown led the congregation in gospel songs, including “Total Praise,” a hymn that had also been sung at Carr’s September 2023 memorial service. Michele Godfrey‑Watson, founder of Refresh Ministries International, quoted Isaiah to emphasize that “the nations shall see the light in people amid the darkness of the earth.” She urged attendees to turn grief into service, saying, “We have a responsibility to build lives that remember them every day and to create a Jacksonville where families can live, work, worship, and pursue their dreams without fear because of the color of their skin.”
Mayor reflects on progress and work ahead
Mayor Donna Deegan noted that the anniversary serves as a reminder of how far Jacksonville has come since the tragedy early in her administration, while acknowledging that “we have a ways to go.” She linked the shooting’s remembrance to the 66th anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday, a 1960s civil‑rights incident, emphasizing the city’s ongoing effort to achieve equity across neighborhoods such as Grand Park, Mandarin, and the Beaches.
Community voices and political presence
Local officials, including members of the Jacksonville City Council, U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon, and leaders from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, addressed the crowd. Their remarks focused on unity, public‑safety improvements, and the need for continued dialogue on race‑related violence.
Continuing the legacy
After the ceremony, Quan Laguerre, the older brother of A.J., walked along 11th Street carrying a photo of his sibling, a silent promise that the memory of his brother would remain alive in the community. The event concluded without interruption as rain held off, allowing the hour‑long memorial to finish peacefully.
The gathering underscored a shared conviction among Jacksonville’s faith‑based and civic leaders: that honoring the victims of hate‑driven violence must translate into concrete actions that protect families, uphold the Constitution, and foster a city where love outweighs hatred.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
