Shirley Wright creates bears out of clothing of loved ones who have passed.
She recently teamed up with the Justice Coalition, making teddy bears for families of victims murdered in Jacksonville.
This November she is working on bears for Albert Epperson’s family. He was killed on the city's Northside in 2017.
While making the bears, Wright does not seek more information about the victim, fearful it will keep her from accomplishing the bear. “I don’t look up the person until I’m done with the bear.”
She uses a vintage 1950’s sewing machine working out of the dining room of her home.
She is also working on three bears for the family of Heidy Rivas Villanueva. The 7-year-old was killed after being struck by a stray bullet earlier this year.
“Some of the bears come from children, and having babies of my own I can’t imagine what these families go through.”
Wright only charges the Justice Coalition for materials.
If you would like to get in touch with Wright about a bear, you can contact her on Facebook.
A woman sewing to mend strangers hearts, at 5:55 a local woman makes bears for murder victims family. It’s a story you won’t want to miss! @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/FrbBag9r6A
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) November 26, 2018
Cox Media Group
