Family of Jacksonville girl killed in crossfire gifted teddy bear made out of victims clothes

Teddy bears are being made from the clothing of innocent victims who suffered violent deaths.

Their families now have a new reminder of their loved ones' presence this holiday season.

The Justice Coalition gifted families with the teddy bears on Friday night.

They began the tradition of gifting the unique bears in 2014.

MORE: Mother of Jacksonville 7-year-old shot, killed: 'She was my princess' | Fifth person arrested in 7-year-old's murder | Newly released surveillance video shows what happened after 7-year-old was shot and killed

Shirley Wright is the person tasked with making the bears.

She’s the latest person to step into the role, and says she undertook the task in April.

“I love taking a painful memory and turning it into joy,” said Wright.

One by one, families walked onto the stage at Redemption Church on Lane Avenue to claim their bear.

The name of each victim was read aloud.

Among the families in attendance were the loved ones of 7-year-old Heidy Rivas Villanueva, who was shot and killed by a stray bullet while sitting in the back seat of her family’s car in August.

Her mother and sister were gifted with a forever reminder of her life.

“There are mixed emotions,” Heidy’s mother, Angelica Beatriz Nueva, said. “But, in part, I feel good because I'm going to have a teddy bear made with the dress that she wanted to wear this Christmas.”

The family of 5-year-old Zy’Kerria Robinson, the child abuse victim we told you about in October, were also there.

Police told us at the time of the investigation Robinson had adult bite marks on her body, and was badly beaten. She died from her injuries.

Wright tells Action News Jax Ryan Nelson each piece of fabric tells a story.

“You can’t see it, but you can feel it in the garment,” said Wright. “That’s why I asked not to be told the story behind the bear until I’m done.”

She described learning the manner of the victims' death as being hit with a "cannonball."

It’s been a violent year in the city of Jacksonville. JSO statistics revealed 94 murders through the end of November, notwithstanding homicides pending classification.

Moreover, at least 21 children have been shot in our city this year.

With loved ones left grieving, Wright tells me her work is essential.

“When they receive a teddy bear that I’ve made for them, they light up,” said Wright.

Cox Media Group