Knoxville — Dozens of family and friends remembered the lives of those lost to violent crime in Knox County Sunday. Hope for Victims kicked off Crime Victim's Rights week with a ceremony, celebrating and remembering dozens of who died from violent crimes.
Executive Director of Hopes for Victims, Joan Berry, lost her daughter Johnia in 2004.She started hope for victims so families could support each other.
It was a day to remember people who will never forgotten.
"We don't want to forget them," Tina Gregg said. "They are still with us every day."
Like Gregg's daughter, 23-year-old Brooke Morris.
She lost her life after investigators say her ex-boyfriend shot and killed her, leaving her body along a road in Roane County in 2011.
He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
"I know she's happy that I can put one foot in front of the other and get out of bed, because there was a time I really didn't think I could," Gregg said.
Now she can, with help from her Hope For Victims family.
"It gives you, I guess, a certain strength," Gregg said.
Their strength and perseverance was on display Sunday along with dozens of pictures of loved ones lost to violent crime.
Joan Berry started Hope for Victims after she lost her daughter, Johnia.
"Johnia always saw the good in everyone," Berry said. "I think Johnia would be pleased to know that we're out here remembering everyone."
Johnia was murdered by a thief who broke into her apartment and stabbed her during the robbery.
"I'm very grateful for the time I had with her," Berry said.
Berry's time is now spent pushing for legislation that includes truth in sentencing, eliminating parole for violent offenders.
"It's really not justice, what our system is now," Berry said. "My daughter doesn't get a second chance to come back. These other victims don't get a second chance to come back."
Keeping her strength through a memory of someone she'll never forget.
"When I would start to feel like I can't do this anymore, I know that's not what she would want," Berry said.
Berry is traveling to Nashville this week to talk with lawmakers.
Hope for Victims meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace Church Knoxville. Berry said anyone is welcome to join.