NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Through prayer, silence, songs, and words from people across the community, Angelina "Angie" Williams' loved ones, friends, and co-workers came together at the place where she dedicated more than two decades of her life.
"She was not just an employee for over 21 years but she was a friend and a family member," says David Jackson, the General Manager at Costco Wholesale in Newport News.
A vigil in Angie's honor was held outside of the Newport News Costco on Sunday night.
"She was a fun-loving person, she loved to laugh, she loved to have a good time," says Angie's brother, Anthony Miller.
However, the vigil was not just about the beautiful person Angie's loved ones saw on the outside, but what happened behind closed doors.
Angie's 16-year-old son found her murdered inside her own home back on October 14th.
Less than a month later, police arrested Willie Smith for her death. According to her family, that is Angie's ex-fiancé.
"I want to just say a few words, not just about my cousin, but about domestic violence," says Shelly, Angie's cousin. "We took for granted the littlest things, text messages. Even if it's the littlest thing, speak up."
Red silhouettes surrounded the crowd representing victims who died from domestic violence and their stories for people to read. The silhouettes travel with Transitions Family Violence Services.
The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors was also there, among Hampton city leaders, to push for education and awareness about domestic violence.
"We have to bring domestic violence out of the dark," says Hampton Police Chief Terry Sult. "We got to multiple calls per day."
After tonight, Angie's will join the crowd of silhouettes with her story.
The many lives that she touched are now asking everyone to remember her story and use it as a reason to speak up about domestic violence.
"If you know anything, or any way you can interject, that needs to happen."
