MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The pain of losing a loved one to murder is a wound that never fully heals. Families are left to navigate a new normal, a life forever marked by a tragic absence. But in Marion, Ohio, a group of dedicated volunteers is working to create a space where these families can find solace and community.
Friends of Victim Assistance, a volunteer group supporting the Marion Victim Assistance Program (VAP), is spearheading a project to construct a memorial garden. This peaceful space will serve as a place for families and community members to gather, remember, and honor the lives lost to violence.
A Family’s Journey Through Grief
The Clements family knows the pain of such a loss all too well. Their son and brother, Jeremy Clements, was murdered in 2019. “You never move on, you never forget, and you never heal,” said Jessica Chapman, Jeremy’s sister. “All you can do is simply try to find a new normal and honor his life by living your own to the fullest.”
Jeremy, described as trusting and compassionate, had a mild intellectual disability that made him vulnerable. His family believes his desire to help others ultimately led to his tragic end.
The Role of Victim Assistance
The Clements family credits the Marion Victim Assistance Program (VAP) for providing much-needed support in the aftermath of Jeremy’s murder. Funded primarily by grants, VAP operates under the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Its advocates work to minimize the effects of crime on victims and their families, offering emergency assistance, documenting losses, and connecting them with support services and resources.
Building a Memorial
Friends of Victim Assistance is currently fundraising to construct the memorial garden on the grounds of the Sheriff’s office. The garden, expected to be completed by September 2025, will be the largest memorial of its kind in Ohio.
“It’s important for the community to support this work and the families affected by violence. We cannot look the other way. We need to support these families in this small way,” said Amanda Adkins, project lead for the Friends of Victim Assistance Committee.
The garden will hold the names of those who have lost their lives to violent crimes, serving as a place to gather, honor, and remember. “It’s going to be a great thing for families like ours,” said Randy, Jeremy’s father.
For Jessica, the garden represents a place of peace and remembrance. “Knowing Jeremy and others like him will never be forgotten and honored in this way gives families a good feeling,” she said. “If I’m upset and having a bad day, this garden will be the place that I will go. I’m sure other families of victims will agree.”
The Friends of Victim Assistance group hopes that the memorial garden will not only honor the victims but also raise awareness about the importance of community support in the face of violence.
