Attendees at the Turning Point’s domestic violence awareness vigil for Kelly Davison Burgess listen to Steve Zaragoza and Justin Plowman perform Alan Jackson’s “Sissy’s Song” during the candlelit portion of the memorial, held at the South Lincoln Training and Event Center Thursday. GAZETTE PHOTO/Sara Millhouse

“She can’t be remembered just for her death,” said Ember Oakley at Turning Point’s candlelight vigil for Kelly Davison Burgess at the South Lincoln Training and Event Center Thursday.

Burgess died from a gunshot wound to the head at her home in Loveland, Colo., this October. Her husband Branden Burgess has been charged with manslaughter.

Turning Point director Kris Thompson described the vigil’s purpose as threefold: to honor Kelly’s memory, to bring comfort to her family and to raise awareness of domestic violence, which family members said led to her death.

Kelly’s sisters Veronica Proffit and Parry Baldwin both urged attendees to leave abusive situations and help any they know who may be in an abusive relationship.

“Her death was unnecessary and tragic, and we hope this lesson can save someone else’s life,” Proffit said.

For the complete article see the 11-25-2009 issue.