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Ashley Jean O'RearApril 27, 1987 - November 24, 2001 Her
absence hurts so much because |
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This page will chronicle the attempts made by those who knew and loved Ashley to preserve her sweet memory in some very tangible ways. (Click on any of the following links to see detailed information in the table below.) |
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| Waxahachie Civic Center | Junior High Tree | Ashley's Swing |
| Lake Ashley O'Rear | Crape Myrtles | |
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On Thursday afternoon, January 24, 2001, Susan, Justin and I went to the Waxahachie Civic Center for a special dedication ceremony. One of the Civic Center staff had called us a couple of weeks earlier and said that they wanted to dedicate one of their "park benches" in Ashley's memory. We had held Ashley's funeral at the Civic Center, and the staff had gone out of their way to make sure everything was just perfect for the funeral. They had really become almost like family to us, and this bench dedication was very special. (Click on a picture to see it enlarged.) |
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In addition to the dedication of the bench, Texas State Senator David Cain was on hand to present to our family with Texas State Senate Proclamation No. 655, "In Memory of Ashley Jean O'Rear". It was very touching to realize that Ashley's legacy of courage and determination in the face of incredible obstacles, had even reached the floor of the Texas State Senate. To read the text of the proclamation, click here. |
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This is the bench dedicated in Ashley's memory, with Susan, Justin and me standing by it. The bench is located on the south end of the Civic Center, on the left-hand side as you walk from the parking lot up to the south entrance to the building. |
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Here is a close-up of the bench, showing the inscription on the brass plaque that is mounted to the bench. |
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A number of friends from church came to share this special moment with us, along with the staff of the Civic Center. Here the group gathers around the bench for a picture. |
| Back to "Memorials" |
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