ALTON - The M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Unique group - Moms Obligated To Healing, Encouragement, Recovery and Support - hosted a moving and meaningful ceremony on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at James Killion Park to honor mothers who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child.
This solemn and supportive event brought together nearly two dozen mothers to commemorate the lives of their children through a Bench Dedication and a White Dove Release. The organization donated a new bench to the park to offer a quiet, peaceful space where grieving mothers and family members can sit in remembrance and reflection.
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The ceremony was emceed by Mrs. Vernetta Caffey, introduced by Shirley Ann Thomas, and featured opening scripture and prayer by Minister Annette Campbell, a welcome by Ms. Rita Young, and heartfelt remarks from Ms. Mary Jason, President of M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Unique. Mayor David Goins offered words of comfort during the bench dedication, followed by a moving poem read by Mrs. Michelle Rounds, Hospitality Chair of the organization.
Ms. Joyce Plunkett and Mrs. Mary Jason presented Mr. Roy Williams, Jr. with a plaque and bouquet of flowers in recognition for his family’s generous donation of the 21 White Dove Release for the ceremony.
Following the bench dedication, a White Dove Release ceremony served as a symbolic tribute to the children who have passed. Ms. Mary Shaw lovingly called the names of mothers present, each of whom stepped forward to ring a brass bell in memory of their child. In total, 19 mothers were recognized during this deeply emotional moment.
The ceremony concluded with the release of 21 white doves—each representing a mother's loss—generously sponsored by the Roy Williams Jr. family. Twenty-one women stood in solidarity as the doves were released in a powerful act of remembrance and hope. Ms. Sheila Goins offered a stirring musical tribute with a rendition of Two Wings, and Mrs. Caffey closed the program with a final prayer.
The mission of M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Unique is to create a safe and supportive environment for mothers grieving the loss of a child due to illness, tragedy, or sudden death. Through honesty, empathy, and shared experience, the group provides vital emotional support and community healing.
M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Unique meets bi-weekly at the YWCA in the Levis Room, every other Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Mothers of any age who have lost a child are welcome to attend.
For more information, please contact Ms. Mary Jason, President of M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Unique, at 618-468-1103.
