Vanguard

Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Lifestyles

There was a somber air in the USA Amphitheater on Sept. 24 as over 30 students filled the red brick seating to remember their friend and classmate, Jerry Wilson. Lit candles created a comforting gleam through the sticky Mobile heat, as friends and associates of Wilson reflected on his life which many feel was simply cut too short.

Wilson, whose injuries resulting from a car accident with USA Police Patrolman Josh Thomas claimed his life on Sept. 18, was admired by a large number of the student body and is said to have been a joy to be around.

Corey Chinn-Lang, 19, was responsible for coordinating the memorial and was very close to Wilson.

"I only knew Jerry for a year, but in that short time, I found him to be one of the most genuine people I've ever met," Chinn-Lang stated. He went on to say that felt compelled to do something to honor Wilson's memory, but felt that something should have been done for him and his family by the University as well.

19-year-old Jamie Ramseur also expressed her feelings towards the University's overall response to the fatal car accident.

"I feel it was important for us, the people who truly loved Jerry, to not let his death overshadow the beautiful life he lived. The University failed to coordinate a memorial for Jerry in a timely manner, so we took it upon ourselves to do so," Ramseur said. "I would want my friends to do the same thing for me."

AASA Treasurer Alisha Williams, 18, stated that she was pleased with the turnout and hopes to see students continue to come together, as they have in recent weeks, not only when tragedy occurs.

"I would love to see a more family-like atmosphere develop at USA and lose a lot of the individualism," Williams added.
Though the floor was open to any one who wanted to share memories of Wilson with the crowd, most could do nothing more than reflect in the silence.

"We must try our best not to be sad during this time," USA student Chris Moseley, 25, said to the tearful crowd. "This should not be a sad occasion, but a homegoing celebration for Brother Wilson. God always has a plan, and even though we may not understand it, we must accept it."

Moseley encouraged the crowd to make the most of each day and cherish the time they have with the people who are closest to them.

Those in attendance were asked to sign a poster and notebook with messages to Wilson's family and even directly to Wilson. Students who were considered to be Wilson's closest friends were asked to sign a picture frame containing his photograph. All of the items will be sent to the Wilson family.

Even after memorial officially ended, at least 20 students remained in the amphitheater for almost another hour talking about the wonderful friend Jerry had been to them and how his memory would continue to live on through them.

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