Friends and family members of Sonya Stokes gathered Thursday night for a candlelight vigil on what would have been Stokes' 26th birthday.
Stokes was killed Jan. 25, 2009, in the front yard of a residence on Louise Street. She was seven months pregnant.
The small crowd gathered in the cold to remember Stokes, praying aloud for the strength to forgive the person responsible for her death as God "forgives us of our wrongs."
The group then sang "This Little Light of Mine" as a tribute to the star shining above, which was Stokes looking down, a family member said.
After a reading of Psalms 100, candles were lit to reflect the light Stokes brought to their lives, as small children ran around the front yard of the residence, playing.
Linda Milkson, an aunt of Stokes, organized the vigil, saying she and other family members and friends wanted to remember Stokes.
"I will do this until the Lord calls me home," Milkson said.
Justin Mangum, 21, of Blytheville, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the death of Stokes and her unborn child. He remains in custody of the Mississippi County Jail in lieu of $2 million bond. His trial date has not yet been set.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com