DjESIGNS | Nadia, Christine, and Devon

1.25.05

Nadia, Christine, and Devon

I was hoping that the birth of Devon would be the most memoriable event to get the year started. Today (since it's after midnight), we are going to have labor induced. Everything looks to be in order, and family has already planned to be by Michele's bed side.

Unfortunately, my attention was split due to some awful news. Nadia Whitmore, a former HS classmate who I dated my junior year, was found murdered last night. Other than catching her face on tv this evening, I haven't seen her in about 10 years. Needless to say, it was quite the shock. My deepest sympathy goes to her family, as well as everyone else who will be touched by her loss.

Memorial Information

Nadia's wake will be Friday the 28th at Grandberry Funeral Home, 8806 Jennings Station Road, from 5pm to 8pm

Her funeral will be held at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Saturday the 29th. This will start at 11am.

Following her news story was another one of yet another HS classmate, Christine Smetzer. Christine, I didn't know personally. I couldn't have even pointed her out in the hall. She was raped and killed 10 years ago at school during class hours. Her death literally changed the way suburban school safety was viewed. Police monitoring and photo ID tags became the standard after her death.

Back then, I viewed "forcing me to wear a photo ID" as criminal. That was 10 years ago though. Today, while anticipating the birth of my third child, I pray that I never have to question why more couldn't have been done...sooner.

12:48 am in life | 1 person viewing

21 ramblings so far

1. I don't know if you remeber me or not but,
I live in Atlanta Georgia now. I am not sure who you are but I think you are Danny. Anyway, In my quest to find some piece of what happen to Nadia and determine if I'd make the funeral, I came across your article. I am so sad. I can't believe this happened. I can not believe this. Anyway, I wont bore you with my ramblings I just needed to reach out.

on 1.25.05@8:17 pm by Crystal Short- Miller

2. Yeah, I remember you Crystal. It's terrible that you had to find your way here because of Nadia's death. I haven't heard of any arrangements, but I certainly plan on being there. Thanks for reaching out. I purposely made this post so her story wouldn't be lost. People like you sharing your thoughts only helps her to be remembered.

on 1.25.05@10:50 pm by Danne

3. Hi,

I think that I remember you and Crystal. My maiden name was Opal Donlow. I am still in the St. Louis area. I was shocked by the news of Nadia. To tell you the truth, I have been depressed since Monday. I too would like to go to the funeral and found your web site while doing a search on the arrangements. Please let me know if you hear anything.

It looks as though you are having a child. Congratulations!

Opal

on 1.26.05@9:09 am by Opal Jones

4. Hey Opal. Yeah, I still haven't seen or heard of any arrangements. I plan to post them here, since it seems that people are finding their way here.

Thanks for the congrats, also.

on 1.26.05@9:23 am by Danne

5. I talk to her sister on yesterday. She said that the funeral information would be left at Saint Grandbury Morturary located on Jennings Station Road. She also said that she was not sure what church the services would be held at. I planned on calling the Morturary today to find out the location.

on 1.26.05@10:52 am by Crystal Short- Miller

6. Pardon my tunnel vision. HI Opal how are you? I do remember you. Congradulations Danny! We have two boys and one on the way. Ages 7 and 2. I think I am about 6 weeks now. I hope to see you all at the funeral.

on 1.26.05@10:58 am by Crystal Short- Miller

7. Danny, Crystal,

I just looked up Chris Dew to find out some information. Apparently he has been in contact with a lot of people. I will lead him to this sight.

By the way, has anyone kept up with Dee Dee Steele? She and Nadia were really close. Thats how I became Nadia's friend.

Opal

on 1.26.05@12:01 pm by Opal

8. What's up all of you,
I have kept in touch with a few people and it's a shame that we all had to find each other again under these circum. I have a resource company that is helping me to plan the C/O '95 Reunion, so I will try to find as many people as possible to let them know. I think we should have a nice showing for our fallen classmate. Stay in touch.
Chris

on 1.26.05@12:10 pm by Chris Dew

9. Hey Chris, thanks for stopping by. I was hoping to see everyone soon, though this was the farthest reason for doing so. I spoke to her sister this morning. She said the family is holding up, but I'm sure seeing the support of all of us will only help to ease their loss.

Since it looks like this post has become sort of a central place to share info, everyone feel free to add any information you have.

Thanks for helping to spread the word, too, Opal. And thanks for your thoughts too, Crystal!

on 1.26.05@3:00 pm by Danne

10. You're right Danne, this seems to be a central location for people to write. So I'll put some info. on here about the C/O '95 Reunion. I have started a committee and we have selected a date for our 10 year gala. September 24 2005 and we have enlisted a reunion planning company to aid us in the setup process. If anyone knows the phone #'s and addresses of any of our classmates, you can email them to me a McCluerNorth95@Hotmail.com. This will make finding everyone alot easier. Danne I love what you have here. Keep it going strong, brother.

Chris Dew

on 1.26.05@5:58 pm by Chris Dew

11. Hi everyone,

I have decided not to go to the wake on Friday. However, I will be attending the funeral. If anyone wants to go together, please let me know.

Opal

on 1.27.05@8:25 am by Opal Jones

12. I'm doing just the opposite, Opal. I will only be able to make it to the wake. Not looking forward to it, but hopefully I can offer a comforting word. Let the family know that we've all been thinking of them.

on 1.27.05@8:59 am by Danne

13. Opal,
I will be going to the funeral as well. Send an e-mail with your contact information to [hidden by Danne]. Maybe we can go together. I am not sure if my husband will come.

on 1.27.05@11:17 am by Crystal Short- Miller

14. Crystal, I removed your email address so it wouldn't get picked up by other people. I'll forward your address to Opal for you.

on 1.27.05@11:32 am by Danne

15. I do not have remote acess to my e-mail. Please let Opal know that I will be staying at the [Edited again...looks like Opal got the info she needed].

on 1.27.05@10:50 pm by crystal Short-mIller

16. Danne,

I will give your condolences.

Crystal,

I will try to e-mail you direct tonight. If I do not hear something, I will call the hotel tomorrow. If you would like, I can pick you up at the hotel. If you don't have a car. I will e-mail my home phone etc.

Opal

on 1.27.05@11:28 pm by Opal Jones

17. Danne,

You took the information off too fast. What was the hotel? What name was the room listed under? I didn't get a chance to write it down.

Opal

on 1.27.05@11:50 pm by Opal Jones

18. You can just e-mail me direct.

Opal

on 1.27.05@11:51 pm by Opal

19. Hey Opal, I emailed you the info. You may need to check your "bulk mail" folder for it. Sometimes my email ends up in there...go figure. If you don't end up getting them, you can leave a phone number in the email line, and I can call to give you the info.

Don't worry, no one will see that info but me.

on 1.28.05@9:20 am by Danne

20. DANNE - THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IN GETTING THE INFORMATION TO OPAL.

OPAL- STAY IN TOUCH.

I DONT KNOW OF I WILL MAKE IT TO THE REUNION OR NOT I MAY BE TOO PREGNANT, OR JUST DELIVERED.

TAKE CARE ALL!

CRYSTAL

on 1.30.05@4:34 pm by CRYSTAL

21. Not a problem, glad I could help out. If we all don't meet up later this year, take care and hope your coming addition arrives healthy!

on 1.30.05@6:06 pm by Danne

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