Angels of Hope holds event in Atkinson to honor lives lost to domestic violence

ATKINSON, NC (WWAY) — An event was held in Atkinson to spread awareness of and remember the lives lost to domestic violence.

Angels of Hope is a Wilmington-based nonprofit that investigates domestic violence.

In 2012, the nonprofit created a memorial for those affected by domestic violence in the town of Atkinson.

Kellie Wade is the president of the nonprofit.

She’s also a former New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Wade gave out awards to several people who have helped raise awareness of domestic violence, like Lori Kirkpatrick with Safe Haven of Pender.

Wase said she’d experienced abuse herself but was inspired to raise awareness by one of her coworkers.

“And also the woman I dedicated it to, Susan Johnson, was my lieutenant at the Sheriff’s Department and she stood up and told her story,” Wade said. “So it impacted me tremendously so I put this memorial to dedicate to her and also to let the families know, of the woman in Pender County that we haven’t forgot about them.”

Wade said she plans on placing another memorial in Brunswick County sometime next year, but isn’t sure yet what town or city she will put it in.