JACKSONVILLE. Fla. — A Jacksonville woman is making it her mission to help people heal by stitching teddy bears made from a loved one’s piece of clothing.
The memory is something that will last a lifetime.
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Families dealing with the loss of a loved one filled the pews inside Redemption Church on Jacksonville’s Northside Friday night for a special ceremony.
Shirley Wright stitched together stuffed teddy bears from the clothes of lost loved ones to help families grieve.
“You can’t get more personal than clothing. Clothing is something when you lose a loved one, clothes usually sit in that drawer for decades,” said Wright.
Families who were in attendance say although the memories of their loved ones who have died will never disappear, having a physical reminder of them makes things a little easier, especially during the holiday season.
Janette Adams son Travis James was shot and killed in October of this year.
“He got killed on Kings Road at a Sonoco gas station,” said Adams.
Her son left behind three children.
“It is truly an honor to be presented with this beautiful bear,” Adams explained.
Justice Coalition Executive Director Jolee Manning says it’s personal because her daughter Haley Smith was killed in a hit-and-run six years ago.
Tiffany Higginbotham was arrested for killing her.
“I have a bear of my own and it’s just a part of our loved one and mine sits underneath my Christmas tree every year."
Wright says these bears are something people can proudly display in their homes and pass on to keep memories alive through generations.
“I hope in some way my bears bring comfort and can bring void to how they are feeling,” said Wright.
The stories behind some of these bears are troubling but Wright is hoping it’s something family members can hold on to at night when they think of a loved one who died too soon.
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