A mother never expects to see her daughter die before she does. Well, on August 13, Patricia Markey, a lifelong parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, witnessed the senseless shooting of Sharon M. Wilkins, formerly of St. Brigid Catholic Church. Sharon’s only daughter, Mary Kathleen Wilkins, graduated from Holy Redeemer recently and was enrolled at Blessed Trinity High School.

The unfathomable tragedy brought together numerous Catholic faith communities like All Saints, St. Brigid’s, St. Joseph Pastoral Care Department, Blessed Trinity High School, and Christ the King, too. The laity and the clergy came united in assisting the Markey family with the grieving process. On behalf of the Markey family, I would like to acknowledge and honor those who made this horrific event in our lives a little more tolerable due to the selfless acts of generosity and kindness. Thank you.

Finally, Mary Kathleen lost both her parents on August 13. A scholarship fund on her behalf is arranged at Associated Credit Union or by going online at MaryKathleenWilkinsFund.org. Mary Kathleen is now living in Chicago attending another fine Catholic school.

Peace be with you all.

Richard Markey

Demorest