Killed by gun December 3, 2001 at age 18
Travon Ray Ford was born on June 1, 1983 in Los Angeles, California. He was an only child. He was very quiet and shy and did not bother anyone; he was just a follower. He went to school at Alain Locke High School. He loved to dress nice and he loved music. Travon, you are really missed. I will always love you.
Written by Chinita Hall, Travon’s mother
Killed by gun December 7, 2001 at age 28
My son was a strong, motivating young man that loved his work as a security guard in LA Areas. He also participated in basketball. He thought it was the greatest thing in the world. He was a devoted and loving father to his kids, a boy and a girl that he loves very much. When he was a little boy in school, he would beam with satisfaction as he would hand me his school work with good grades on it. When things got tough and overwhelming, he always knew what to say or do to make a situation feel better. I will always love him and miss him so much. But, I feel his wonderful spirit still within me.
Written by Lorraine Morland, Mark’s mother
Killed by gun July 2, 1998, at age 28
Marc Ralph Fitzsimmons, whose first name, Marc, means war-like one and whose second name, Ralph, means swift wolf, counsel wolf – a brave advisor, was my oldest and only son.
Marc will always be remembered by his family as a person who loved God, family, friend, and neighbor. He was a vibrant and spirited individual who was always eager to learn and was a model son, a gifted individual, and a genuine friend. He was an avid student of metaphysics. May Marc always serve as a beacon to let God’s light shine through.
Marc always reminded me that there are three sets of mental fetters we must give up if we want to truly be free: judging, comparing, and needing to know why.
Agape/Baraka
By Donna Dymally, Mother
Killed by gun October 3, 1997, at age 27
Kevin was a wonderful, loving father, son, brother, friend and companion. He was outgoing, loved to dance, laugh, enjoy family gatherings, and loved all his kids. His hobbies were running track in middle school, playing basketball and music, and working on his car.
Kevin was a very special friend to all. He loved the Lord and talked about Him a lot.
Kevin is greatly missed by me, and his friends and family.
By Shirley Franklin, Mother
Killed by gun December 8, 1997, at age 7
50 pounds, 50 inches, seven-years old. Full of hope and aspirations. Full of spunk. He possessed an “I’m going to do my best” attitude which translated into excellent schoolwork and sportsmanship. He could entertain a toddler or have an intelligent conversation with a senior citizen, freely expressing his point of view on many subjects. Evan was an exceptional, straight “A” student, reading books before entering Kindergarten, winning numerous awards, including “Student of the Month”, twice placing 3rd in the Annual Science Fair, and 1st grade representative for the Manhattan Beach Spelling Bee. In his honor, Frank D. Parent School named its library the Evan Leigh Foster Library. Evan played soccer, basketball, and baseball, earning a “Good Sportsmanship” medal in soccer. He also played the piano for four years. He was most proud of becoming a big brother, or maybe, he was most proud of his baby brother! Children are our examples for entering into heaven. To love God and be exhilarated about the life we’ve both been given, to honor and love one another, to seek to give our best each day and express God’s gifts in us are great examples to follow.
Thank you, Evan.
By Rhonda and Ruett Foster, Parents
Killed by gun June 29, 1998, at age 18
Eric was the youngest of three brothers and one sister. Eric was friendly and outgoing. He loved people and people loved him. Eric’s greatest love was for his mom and nieces and nephews and God, and a special brother, Kevin. Eric loved basketball. His hobbies were singing rap and dancing. Eric loved computers and wanted a career in computers.
Eric was a high school graduate of twenty days when his life was stolen from him. Eric was excited about going to junior college and was looking forward to taking his driving test. Eric is greatly missed by me, his mother, his dad, and a host of family and friends.
By Shirley Franklin, Mother
Killed by gun June 13, 1998, at age 20
TO MY SON
On September 16, 1977, I was blessed with a baby boy.
As a toddler, you were my everything, my pride and joy.
Through growing up, we didn’t always see eye to eye.
But even through that, it’s hard to say goodbye.
Yes, you did wrong, but you also did right.
So with that my son, I kiss you good night.
Sleep my child, this is your mother talking,
Go with Tyree to the light and keep on walking.
Love always,
“Mom” and Family
By Carol Felder, Mother