In Memory of a Mother and Daughter Lost

A touching tribute today outside of College Park Elementary School in memory of a mother and daughter killed in a car wreck on Interstate 10 in Jackson County last year. The community rallied together to have a mosaic bench placed outside the school to keep their memory alive. Family and friends were on hand at today’s official bench dedication.
No one should have to bury a child, but on May 20th, 2015 Gautier resident Matt Johnson lost his four-year-old daughter Kinsey and his wife Ashton in a car accident as they were on their way to buy things for Kinsey’s birthday. Instead of a celebration, Johnson and the community mourned the loss of these two beloved souls. “For a little while there, you don’t know what you’re going through. It happened all of a sudden. It was very, very hard to deal with and a lot of confusion going on, but we had such a huge support group here,” said Johnson.
Ashton was an active member of the Parent Teacher Association at College Park Elementary School in Gautier where daughter Keely once attended school. On this day, a bench adorned with all things pink and feminine, just like Ashton and Kinsey, is dedicated at the school, keeping their memory alive. “The bench is just a sign of love and the family atmosphere we have here not only in the City of Gautier and the school district, but here at College Park. They really are truly family,” said Johnson.
This bench is a place to sit and rest, something the people who knew Ashton best say is the complete opposite of Ashton’s way of life. Paige Roberts with College Park Elementary PTA said, “Ashton was over-caffeinated. There’s no other way to describe her, but that was part of her energy and she used it for good and we were so pleased to have her as a part of our team.”
As for little Kinsey, “She was her mother made over is what she was. That’s what everybody says, just a little diva. Butterflies and bling and sparkles. She would have started school this year here at College Park. She was looking forward to that, but I think this will be just another way that she can be here,” said Johnson.
Matt Johnson hopes this bench can serve as a place where people can come sit and find peace while being inspired to help and serve others in the name of his wife and daughter. “Because that’s what she had, the desire and passion to serve others. I hope they can come here and sit and relax, but also be inspired to give back some.”