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Technograph'She was my family; I miss her so much'
By Teresa Sewell
Posted: 11/4/05 Section: News
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Four of Jennifer Britton's closest friends start laughing. They take turns remembering the silly things she used to do.
Antoinette Bordelon, sophomore in LAS, imitates her walk while Christopher Vaughn, senior in Communications, mimics a dance Britton used to do that made everyone laugh.
However, there were moments in between the laughter where each friend grew silent, realizing there was something missing from the usual hanging out and evening of fun - Britton.
Students joined hands outside Foellinger Auditorium at Britton's memorial service on Oct. 26. Britton, who was a senior in LAS,died Oct. 23 when her car struck a deer on Interstate 57.
Almost two weeks later, students are still saddened by her death but have begun to cope by sharing with others the beautiful, giving and joyful person she was.
Kenyatta Beverly, senior in LAS, saved a voicemail Britton left her when Beverly was stressed out about an exam.
"Hey Kenyatta, it's Jennifer ... I was just calling to see how the test went ... I prayed for you, and I'm sure you did very well ..." Britton said on the voicemail, as the group listens and remains silent.
"She could make you feel good about anything," Vaughn said.
Britton somehow convinced him to participate in the physique show freshman year when he was only about 130 pounds, Vaughn said while laughing. Her encouragement gave him the confidence to compete, he said.
She was a family-oriented person who was dedicated to making sure her family was okay after her father's death in 2002, said Jafar Malik, who has known Britton since her high school days at Kenwood Academy, in Chicago.
Britton being in heaven with her father now really gives him comfort and peace because his death really saddened her, Malik said.
Malik said she was always there for him, especially when there was no one else to help him deal with issues he was going through.
"She was my family," Malik said. "I miss her so much."
Antoinette Bordelon, sophomore in LAS, imitates her walk while Christopher Vaughn, senior in Communications, mimics a dance Britton used to do that made everyone laugh.
However, there were moments in between the laughter where each friend grew silent, realizing there was something missing from the usual hanging out and evening of fun - Britton.
Students joined hands outside Foellinger Auditorium at Britton's memorial service on Oct. 26. Britton, who was a senior in LAS,died Oct. 23 when her car struck a deer on Interstate 57.
Almost two weeks later, students are still saddened by her death but have begun to cope by sharing with others the beautiful, giving and joyful person she was.
Kenyatta Beverly, senior in LAS, saved a voicemail Britton left her when Beverly was stressed out about an exam.
"Hey Kenyatta, it's Jennifer ... I was just calling to see how the test went ... I prayed for you, and I'm sure you did very well ..." Britton said on the voicemail, as the group listens and remains silent.
"She could make you feel good about anything," Vaughn said.
Britton somehow convinced him to participate in the physique show freshman year when he was only about 130 pounds, Vaughn said while laughing. Her encouragement gave him the confidence to compete, he said.
She was a family-oriented person who was dedicated to making sure her family was okay after her father's death in 2002, said Jafar Malik, who has known Britton since her high school days at Kenwood Academy, in Chicago.
Britton being in heaven with her father now really gives him comfort and peace because his death really saddened her, Malik said.
Malik said she was always there for him, especially when there was no one else to help him deal with issues he was going through.
"She was my family," Malik said. "I miss her so much."
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