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Bailey Elizabeth Rogers
Connie and Keith Johnson hold hands, while wearing matching shirts that represent the foundation they founded in memory of their son, Jay Pearson. Like many parents, they decided to take action against gun violence in hopes of preventing more parents from experiencing the same trauma they have. Through her advocacy work Connie has found a community of Mothers who truly understand her pain, and help her continue to live life in the wake of her son’s murder.
Quick Stop, the convenience store in the Breckenridge Hills area of North St. Louis County, where Jay Pearson was
shot and killed on October 28, 2011, while trying to break up a fight between his friend and someone they went to
high school with. His friend was shot, but able to run away, and survived. Jay was shot before he had the chance to
get away. His parents were told by police that the gun was pressed so closely against Jay’s chest that they could
see the point of the gun burnt onto his flesh.
Connie and Keith Johnson hold a photo of their son, Jay Pearson. Many parents that go through the tragic loss of
a child split up as a result of the trauma. Connie and Keith almost did, but decided early on that they would not allow this to break them. As a result, they’ve done the hard work necessary to stay together and support one another.
This has included Keith learning to understand the unique relationship between a mother and child, and the two accepting one another’s different ways of grieving.
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