Prayers and Support for Darlington
From the staff of the Rome News-Tribune
We all send our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends involved in this tragedy. It is always a tremendous loss to everyone to lose a life so young. May you all find peace and assurance in this time of healing.
Please use this Blog for helping the community deal with this loss.
We all send our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends involved in this tragedy. It is always a tremendous loss to everyone to lose a life so young. May you all find peace and assurance in this time of healing.
Please use this Blog for helping the community deal with this loss.
posted by Webmaster at 3/02/2005 08:49:00 AM
82 Comments:
My condolences to the families and friends of Sean and Clay and all at the Darlington School.
I grieve with you at this time of your loss and keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Daniel Minchew
I just wanted to send my condolences to both the families that lost their loved one's from Darlington. My thoughts & prayers are with the family, friends, and the community. ~*~ Misty ~*~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Godspeed in your healing.
Brooke and Cain--Trion High School students, and from the girls at Walker County Messenger, Rachel, Chrisi, Angie, and Donna.
Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of Clay and Sean. There are no words that are worthy to express our grief for you. God Bless You All.
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Turner
(parents of Coach/Teacher Jason Turner)
Our thoughts and prayers are with both families. Clay, you will be missed deeply at our home. When you came over you brought a ray of sunshine with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with both families. Clay, you will be missed deeply at our home. When you came over you brought a ray of sunshine with you.
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolence go out to both of the families. Clay and Sean will be deeply missed.
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to both families. I taught Clay while he was a student at DMS. Both families are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Randy Smith Family
(Teacher/Coach at DMS)
The Chi Phi Fraternity at Shorter College sends condolences to the families of Clay and Sean. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
I pray that the families find healing and peace in this time of trouble.
I pray that God gives both families the strength and endurance needed in this time of grief.
Words seem so inadequate, but with this note comes my deepest heartfelt sympathies.
"God seemed to have made him just what he was that he might be a blessing to others, and when the influence of his character and abilities began to be felt, removed him. These are Mysteries,...that we cannot comtemplate without astonishment, but which will nevertheless be explained hereafter, and must in the mean time be revered in silence."
Debbie Guffey, RN
FMC, Oncology
Our prayers and thoughts are with the families of Clay and Sean as they cope with these devastating losses. Likewise, our hearts are heavy with grief and compassion for Steve Hall, Bryan Evans, Darlington School and the entire Darlington Community. We also extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Rome and Acworth communities. May God bless and comfort all affected by this terrible and untimely tragedy.
Minister “Mike” & Pearla Glanton (Parents of Mikala “Mike” Glanton 02’) Jonesboro, Georgia
Our prayers have been with you daily and will be into the future.
All of Rome grieves with you not just your Darlington community.
God be with you,
Your friends at
Martin's Real Estate Co.
We have been part of the Darlington community since 1977.We know how this affects the close knit community and everyone involved. This tragedy has also touched everyone who has heard about it in many states. Those who know the families are devastated beyond words.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the families, students, faculty, the Darlington community and all of those grieving in the Rome area.
We hope that somehow God can give them strength and those who care can help the families and friends to deal with their grief and to heal in the days to come.We know there are no appropriate words to express our feelings and to comfort their families.
Each and every day Dr. McKemie works to save lives at our hospitals with diligence and dedication. He is a wonderful, caring man that now needs our thoughts and prayers with him and his family so that they can make it through this difficult time. The Floyd Medical Center family prays for them also. Our hearts go out to the Wilkinson family as well.
With our sincere grief,prayers,and the hope for peace.
Rita and Raymond Smith
Brandon '90 and Family
Bradley '00 and Tiffany
Jennifer Wysocki '90
To the family and friends of Sean and Clay, you have the deepest sympathy of all Darlington's many alumni who have been following this tragic event with concern and sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you over the weeks and months ahead.
We just wanted to say that we are praying for all of you. We were very close to Sean, and he was a wonderful guy! He went to our school for 3 years(6-8th grade). We will miss his uplifting spirit and wonderful laugh.
In Christ,
Holly Thomas, Lindsey Poth, and Jillian McCord
I just want to say how much of a friend Sean and Clay both were to me. My prayers go towards everyone who is grieving during this time, especially the families. I'm right there beside you.
Lots of love and prayers
Jessica Randles
Though I am not in Rome at the moment my deepest condolences go out to all involved in this tragedy. I want both of the families to know that these boys trully were something else. I will be thinking of all of you.
I never knew Sean but from what I have heard he was a wonderful wonderful person.
I had in the past had limited contact with Clay but I could tell he was a wonderful person, so full of energy, and intelligent.
I send my condolences and love to all of those involved. My thoughts and prayers are there for you.
My prayers are with the Darlington community right now as they go through such tragedy. Although I did not know either of the boys, I have wonderful friends from Rome and Darlington and I grieve with them at this time. May God's grace be with you!
My heart goes out to both families of these 2 fine young men.God Bless You and Yours for they are in a better place.
My daughter and I are praying for you and your families. Our hearts are deeply broken in empathy of your pain and suffering.
The Peaceof Our Lord be with you,
LeaEllen Whittaker
I send my deepest sympathies to both families of Sean and Clay.
You all are in my prayers.
God Bless
To the families, friends and parents- it is a loss that no words can console, it is a time that we can find some peace in prayer.
my thoughts and prayers are not only with you but with Steve Hall and his family as I know his love for nature was only matched by his love for children. - CLAUDIA MOLINA
I asked God why he took away these 2 fine intelligent young men who had so much more to contribute to the future. I had a deeply spiritual friend explain that the only suffering from this tragedy was what we as mortal human beings are suffering in the form of grief. Clay & Sean fell asleep at sea, but now have awakened in the comforting arms of God. He will give them an eternal life.
May God give these families the strength they will need to carry them through this tragedy.
Susan Cooper
Dear Parents, Friends, Acquaintances and onlookers.
God Bless you in this time of need. I pray that he would be the arms into which you fall, because I know that your strength is non existent at this time. I didn't know them, but I know the loss of a friend at such a young age and the only thing that I can tell you is to hang in there, the road is rough, but there is light ahead. To the parents, God Bless them, hold them close unto your bosom, and console them. I can not say that I know how you feel. I don't and I pray that I never do. There could not be any greater pain. All I can say to you is that someone out here cares for you and your pain, and you all are definitely in my prayers.
I was not fortunate enough to have known Sean or Clay, but from what I have read they were two talented, energetic, wonderful boys who had so much potential.
When I was at Darlington we experienced a similar tragedy, and all I remember feeling is a numb confusion over why we had to lose one of our friends. Looking at the photographs of Clay and Sean, my first thought was, "They were just kids." The memories their fellow students have shared remind me of the people I knew while I was there, and how close we all grew almost immediately after setting foot in that place I still call my second home.
I know words are not now, nor will they ever be enough to express how painful it is to have lost someone--to go from living and learning with someone one day to suddenly, well, not. That gap will never quite fill in. Please know my thoughts are with each and every one of you.
Morgan McCrary
To the two families that have suffered such a tragic loss: words can not even begin to descibe the depth of our anguish for these families and the Darlington communtiy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, Mr. Hall, Mr. Evans, and the entire Darlington community. May God bless you and keep you strong this the time ahead.
Jeff and Darlene Kelley
Justin Kelley (05)
Luke Kelley (07)
We would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the families of Clay and Sean. We would also like for you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shane and Lynn Parson
My heartfelt prayers go to the families of the victims and to the students and their teachers. May God give you strength and comfort in this time of sorrow.
John D. Smith
Ocala, Florida
Please know that our family is praying for the families of the two boys as well as the other teenagers on the trip and their teachers. There are no words to descibe the overwhelming grief you must be feeling at this time and I pray that you will feel the warmth and love of God at this time of great despair.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all, this is certainly a time for us all to grieve for your loss and the loss of the Darlington community.
Dondra Mercer, mother of Kelsey Howell (7th Grade)
This tragedy has not only touched the Darlington Community, but the entire town of Rome.There are no words to describe the grief the parents are feeling right now. My boys go to Coosa and we are deeply saddened by the loss of two great boys. I know they will be missed terribly. Our hearts go out to all of you and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers. It is hard to lose a classmate and your school has lost two. Our school went through that a few months ago with the loss of Megan Massey. I pray God will give the parents, teachers, classmates, and family strength and love to get through this tough time.
A Family From:
(Coosa Middle/Coosa High)
As a parent, my heart goes out to the families of these precious boys that have passed. I cannot imagine your pain. I lost a 16 year old nephew a few years ago, and it changed my brother's life forever. Just always remember the wonderful, happy times you had together and cherish those moments.
I am Libbie Zimmer's dad and was saddened to hear about the loss of your boys. Losing a child is so hard, so very hard but somehow with the love from family, friends and God, you make it. I lost my son 10 years ago and know how much you hurt. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken Farmer
I am Libbie Zimmer's dad and was saddened to hear about the loss of your boys. Losing a child is so hard, so very hard but somehow with the love from family, friends and God, you make it. I lost my son 10 years ago and know how much you hurt. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken Farmer
My prayers go out to all of Darlington and especially to the families of those involved in this tragedy.
I want to let the McKemies, Wilkinsons and all of those touched by this tragedy to know that they are in my and many others thoughts and prayers. I pray that God blesses them with strength and peace.
Our prayers are with the families of Clay and Sean. We are a part of the Darlington community and this has touched our hearts. Strength to Mr. Hall, Mr. Evans and the students who were on the trip. God bless and comfort you all.
Love in Christ,
William,Rita,Tristan,Christopher
Sean's smile and laugh would always brighten my day. I'm heart-broken that a tragedy like this can take that away. I'll never hear his laugh again but I keep a picture in my wallet always to see his smile when I'm down. My heart goes out to Sean's and Clay's families. We'll miss them all like you wouldn't believe.
Shelby and family. Please accept my most heart felt condolences in your tragic loss. My heart aches with you.
Hulan Thompson
....To the McKemies; Albany, too, is in mourning with you. Your family and friends here are praying for you and for Sean's family, as well. May God bring you peace as we all cope with this tragic loss.
Our family will greatly miss Sean's joyful spirit. We grieve with you with you and send our deepest sympathies to the McKemie, Faulk and Wilkerson Family. We pray for the survivors from Darlington and their families as they deal with the aftermath. We pray that GOD grants all of you the strength and faith to get through this terrible time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming weeks and months.
In His Name
Jeff And Lori
Our thoughts and prayer go out to the families and friends of Clay McKemie and Sean Wilkinson.
To the parents: As a parent, I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through and the pain you are feeling. Just remember that God said he would never put more on us than we could bear. I pray that God will comfort you in the days ahead. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in His Word. Even for those of us you don't know personally, you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Moore Family
My deepest sympathy to you at your devastating loss. Your families will be remembered in my prayers.
jm
We cannot even begin to know your pain, but our prayers are with both the McKemie and Wilkinson families. Our son, Cole is also a ninth grader at Darlington, and we are heartbroken for you all. Our family sends thoughts and prayers to yours.
The Phillips Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of extreme pain and sorrow. May God be your refuge and strength.
Martha Ann & "Bubba" Dunson
15 Virginia Circle
Rome
My condolences go out to Sean and Clays family. I can not bear the thought of losing a child. I will pray for you and your family. God will get you through this terrible and unfair time.
I would like to send my condolences out to these two families. I know I can't say how it would feel to lose a child, but I have a child this age and it really makes you wonder. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Just remember that God has a plan for all of us. With love
Our sincere condolensenes are with the families of Clay & Sean. This has to be the hardest pain anyone, especially a parent or grandparent could ever feel. The worst part of this pain is it will always be with you. We read the comment from Minister Mike Glanton, Sr of Jonesboro. He expresssed our feelings as well. We wish we could copy what he wrote. We know this will be a very hard thing for all the ones envoled on the trip but especially Steve Hall & Bryan Evans. You will all continue to be in our thoughts & prayers. Not only in the next few days, but years as well. Please remember God is with you.
Steve & Deborah Williams
Brunswick ,GA
(Friends of the Clay's family in Albany)
My thoughts and prayers go to all with needs.
My mother and I would like to tell Dr. Clarence McKemie that he and his family are in our thoughts and prayers just as we were in his a few years back when he was there for us as my father, Albert Roach, lay suffering due to cancer.
My heart aches for both families and all of these wonderful boys friends. May God give you all strength and give you a sense of peace.
To both families I pray that God gives you strength to handle what is ahead. My husband and I just recently lost our 4 year old to cancer. She was diagnosed on December 27 and passed on January 2. I can honestly say, I understand your pain. When I heard the news, my heart dropped. I then realized that both of your boys are probably playing with my little Dasey in heaven right now. I get so mad sometimes, but then I remember that my child will never have heartache or hurt ever again and that I will be with her very soon. Grieving is different for everyone, and life is never the same. But I will pray for your families to have the peace that only God can give you during a time like this. God has been my only saving grace during our loss. Know that your boys will never be forgotten and think of happy thoughts.
I felt compelled to let you know that my heart has been hurting deeply for you in your loss. I am praying for you in the loss of your precious sons.
Angela Downey Barber '90
My heart goes out to the families and classmates of these two young men. As the mother of a 14 year-old son, I know the joy and pride that their parents must have felt to have been blessed with these boys. Now God has taken them home. I pray that he will comfort you in your grief, and strengthen all of us in our daily walk that will eventually take us all home to HIM.
Our deepest sympathies are with these two families, and with the community of Rome.
In early December of 2002, in an eerily similiar situation, our 16 yol son and his friend, also 16, got stranded in the Gulf just off the coast of Hernando County, when the friend's jetski became disabled. We lost them that night in the same manner as your two young men, so we know the pain that the parents of Clay and Sean feel.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. If we can be of any support to the families, please let us know.
Chad & Julie Lewis - Brooksville FL
My condolences to the families of these students. I also want to say thank you to the teachers that went on the trip. I, too, had teachers I went on trips with some 20 years ago, and these teachers were so special to me and made me feel important and special too. Good teachers are hard to find and I believe these two are. My special prayers also go to them.
With each of these brave young men went a piece of our hearts. There are no words to explain the pain this tragedy has brought to Clay & Sean's families. Lord grant us strength to support everyone affected by this tragedy.
With each of these brave young men went a piece of our hearts. There are no words to explain the pain this tragedy has brought to Clay & Sean's families. Lord grant us strength to support everyone affected by this tragedy.
With each of these brave young men went a piece of our hearts. There are no words to explain the pain this tragedy has brought to Clay & Sean's families. Lord grant us strength to support everyone affected by this tragedy.
I am so sorry this has happened. Know that God grieves with you and will give you the strength to live through this and find happiness and joy once again. What treasures these boys must have been.
I first read the story of Sean and Clay in the Seattle Times monday morning. I want the parents, friends and family members to know that your loss is felt even here in Washington State. God only knows what you have been through and I want to send my deepest heart felt condolences to both families.
I will pray for Sean and Clay tonight. May they find god and rest in peace.
Paul Ferguson
Seattle, Washington
I met Sean this past August on the Darlington campus during orientation week-end, my daughter Kendra,my niece and I were in the dining room eating and he asked if he could sit with us. It was such a pleasure, Sean was so funny and so polite. When I went back to work that Monday I could not help but talk about the young man from Acworth.I would sometimes talk to Sean when I call to talk to my daughter. The last time I saw Sean was when I went to see the play "Anything Goes". Unfotunately I never got the chance to meet Clay but from what I understand he was a sweet young man, so smart. My heart goes out to both families. May God be with you each and every moment and give you the strength to carry on. Mr Hall I cannot imagine what you are going through, may God be with you and your family. To the teacher and the other students that were on the trip and the entire Darlington family, the Rome Community may God give you the strength each moment to carry on without these two fine young men. God Bless
Hopie Harris(Kenrda's Mom)
Shelby,
What a tragedy! I grieve with you and the family and trust that God will give you strength. Can only remember the "Proud Grandmother" and her pictures while at Keebler. Just remember, your friends are keeping you in daily prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything for you! Love you, Miriam.
To the families of Clay and Sean:
Though there are no words that can heal in a time of grief such as this, please know that you are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
We pray that you find the comfort and peace you need, not only now, but in the days ahead as you deal with your loss.
God Bless you all,
The Maintenance Staff at Redmond Regional
I was a teacher at Darlington while Steve Hall was a student; I cannot imagine what he is feeling. Parents of Sean and Clay, I have lost many of "my" students through the years, and the pain to me, even though they were "only" my students, was almost unbearable. I pray that God will lighten your sorrow and bring some measure of consolation to your lives.
Bill Supon
Darlington Faculty 1965-1974
To the families of Sean and Clay, you all are in our prayers daily. May God give you the strength you need to make it day by day. This has touch the lives of so many people and will be remembered for a long time.
Rodney, Miriam and Rodneshia Fife
Dr. Mac & Family/ Sean's Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep you and comfort you in the days to come.
May God Bless You All.
On behalf of all our members of the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the families of Sean and Clay. We pray that you seek God's mercy and look to him for comfort. Our hearts are with you.
Rome Fire Department
I just wanted to send my condolences to Dr. McKemie and his Family. You probably don't remember me, but I was a patient of your about 3 or 4 years ago. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time
I just wanted to send my condolences to Dr. McKemie and his Family. You probably don't remember me, but I was a patient of your about 3 or 4 years ago. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time
I just wanted to send my condolences to Dr. McKemie and his Family. You probably don't remember me, but I was a patient of your about 3 or 4 years ago. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time
Sean's funeral was so moving. It was incredible to see the display of those who loved him and who's lives were touched by him. I wish I could set up a website memorial of pictures and testimonial about both Sean and Clay but don't know how to do that. If someone does I have some great pictures of both of them I would love to contribute.
I want to offer my deepest condolences to the families of the two boys. You have been and will remain in our prayers.
a stranger in Maine
Our condolences to the families. I grew up paddling that area and my kids paddle and sail in similar areas now. Our hearts go out to everyone involved and touched by this tragedy, and our only hope is that we are able to learn something from it and perhaps prevent a repeat with someone else's children.
To all the families and friends of Sean and Clay, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God be with you.
Brenda Fuqua
to sean and clay i hope you both are safe in heaven now you both have been on my hearts and i dont even know you i have seen pictures and heard stories i just pray to the lord that your familes and friends are doing ok . i will keep you both and your friends and family in my prayers
love, Emily Easterwood
Dear Bloggers-
I am Clay's sister, Kyndall. The sorrow and loss I feel for my brother's passing is one that is unimaginable. This aside I have never felt more spiritually close to my brother. Only being twenty seven months apart in age we had an undescribable bond. He was the love of my life, best friend, confident, personal comedian, and supportive brother. Having no regrets about what I wish I could have said to him before he passed, we had a love that was re-inforced day after day. There was never a day we didn't have a meaningful goodbye. I loved him with my whole heart and now will celebrate the life he led.
Many people have asked me what they could do for me in this time of need. The biggest favor any and everyone could do for me is tell the people of significant value in their lives that they love them dearly. This is something you should do everyday and you will never live with any regret.
Prayer has become something that has gone from an every once in a while practice to something I do many times a day now. Prayer is not something that is needed necessarily for my brother and dear sean but something for those left still on earth. My family has appreciated all prayers for us but it is important to remember the following; family of Sean, Steve Hall, Brian Evans, Adam Moody, and all survivors of the fatal trip, friends of Sean and Clay, and anyone who has truly felt sorrow in this tragic loss.
My heart goes out to all who seek closure in their lives from this loss.
My peace and love to you,
Kyndall McKemie
I went to tennis camp at Darlington with Sean. He was an awesome kid that stood out with his bleech blonde hair=). He was the one that knew how to make anyone smile, the sweetest guy there. My prayers are with both familys and anyone that knew the boys. Sean, if you could only see how much people love you. I know that you are now safe in God's hands. We miss you..
To Kyndall, What a courageous young woman you are. Your words are such a wonderful tribute to your brother and an inspiration to us all. No one can know your pain or take it away. However your words have inspired me to have more love and faith in life. I feel God from your words and know that your peace will come from a place we have no true understanding of. It is that wonderful place where your brother and Sean now abide. The Peace of Christ be With you and your family. Thank you.
Hi my name is Jameisha Brooks and I'm a junior at Chattooga High. I just want to say that i also grieve with you. I know that i did not know the boys but just the thought of what happen to them is sad. It has made me feel as if you never know what can happen to you while you are out there having fun with your friends. So by this i will say that everyone need to live everyday as if it's your last.
I just wanted to let the McKemie and Wilkinson family know that i give them deep symponthy and let them know that i am very sorry about their loss and to let john robert know that our class can't wait till he comes back.
Shelby (a darlington student)
I want to show my love and friendship for Kyndall anything you need I am here. Your family, and Seans will remain in my prayers. Along with Meester, Mr. Evans and anyone else that feels the pain of this loss.
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