The male suspect was later identified as Jeremy Wade Gibson, Gibsons husband.

Gibson is currently in the Dawson County Detention Center, awaiting trial for charges of murder, cruelty to children and aggravated assault.

But rehashing gory details of Gibsons death wasnt the focus of the ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, instead, friend of the deceased, Kristi Peterson, read from a prepared statement, sharing thoughts from the family on who Gibson was and how the system had failed her.

Amy was a wonderful mother to two beautiful children, as well as a daughter, sister and friend to most who crossed her path, Peterson said, reading words written by Gibsons sister Mary, who was unable to attend the ceremony. She set the example of letting her light shine for so many in our world, sharing her kindness, sense of humor and her great laugh.

Gibsons son and daughter were her world, Peterson said, and when the threat of domestic violence entered their lives, she sought help from any resources in the community she could find.

Despite the fact that Gibson desperately needed help from someone, no help was available, she said.

Those that surrounded Amy in her time of need understood the gravity of the situation, we begged for help alongside her, only to discover that anyone who might have been able to help, had their hands tied until something tragic happened, Peterson said.

The system simply moved too slowly for her, and too slowly to spare her children the tragedy they witnessed, she continued.

The system is broken beyond repair, according to Gibsons loved ones, but for the sake of other women and children in Dawson County that might be facing similar situations, Gibsons family is ready to fight for change.

We will not allow Amys death to be in vain. If you believe someone you love is in danger, please do all that you can to encourage quick action, no matter how extreme it may seem at the time, Peterson said.

Closing out the ceremony and her remarks, Peterson said that anyone with questions or concerns about their situation, or the situation of a loved one, should call the National Domestic Violence Hotline and work with someone trusted to create an escape plan.

Amy we love you, we miss you and we will honor you, she said.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 or by visitingthehotline.org.

Go here to read the rest:

Friends and family remember Amy Gibson on one year anniversary of shooting at Dawson fire station - Forsyth County News Online