Grieving mother from gun violence starts a new chapter

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — August 2020 marks the 2 year anniversary of David Sankey's death, a 16-year-old who became a victim of gun violence back in 2018.

Now, his mother is taking steps forward towards a new beginning in a new home, and shares she couldn't have done it without community support.

"This is a hard step to move along," said Yvonne Johnson as she finished moving boxes into her house.

Yvonne Johnson has lived in her home on 1802 Garden Hills Drive for the past 2 years without David.

It's something she thinks about every day after her son David Sankey was shot and killed.

Johnson said it's been hard and added, "Being in the same home that my baby was killed 10 feet from his door."

She made the decision to start a new chapter, one that includes moving out of David's childhood home.

"Living here was like I was holding onto David. Holding onto his things, his memories in this home and now it's time for me to heal," she said.

In the past 2 years, she has been an advocate for David, and other victims of gun violence.

She says she uses her experience and her pain to share what gun violence does to families.

"Put the guns down! You have places here to help you you know people here to help you, like me!" she said.

When she moves she won't be leaving the area, just headed to Urbana.

Johnson wants to stay and help those who have felt the pain that she has, and give back to those who helped her.

"I want to be able to reach out to parents like me. I also want to be able to help parents like me to be able to grieve and show them that it is possible you know you can heal," she said.

Since the incident, two men have been arrested in connection with David's case.

The CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative have supported her for the past 2 years.

Now they're helping her make the transition out of her home with a yard sale.

Johnson will be hosting a yard sale Friday from 3 p.m to 7 p.m, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This will allow for an easier move and to clear out some things she no longer needs, but one thing she can never sell is the memories with David from her home on garden hills drive.

"It's a journey for me. It's a new beginning," said Johnson.

She will have sports equipment, clothes, shoes, purses, home decor, and more available at the yard sale.

It will be at 1802 Garden Hills Drive and she asks everyone to wear masks while shopping.

"The community is wonderful here. I am so thankful for the support," she said.