Three months after Jessica Lloyd’s death, loved ones to gather to honor her memory
This weekend marks three months since 38-year-old Jessica Lloyd was found dead in a canal behind her Coral Springs home.
Friends and family are still struggling to find answers as the police investigation continues. With a vigil scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, at Cypress Park they’re hoping to honor her memory, bringing those who loved her together for a moment of healing.
Samantha “Sam” Warren organized the event. She said she and Lloyd were best friends for a decade, working as bartenders at Tijuana Taxi, a restaurant and bar in town.
One of her favorite memories, Warren says, is a trip she took with Lloyd to the Grand Canyon — a road trip that opened her eyes to travel.
“Had I not been friends with her, I would not have done most of these things I’ve done,” Warren told the Coral Springs News.
“You get a stereotype when you’re a beautiful person, that they’re not very friendly or approachable — but she was beautiful inside and out.”
There will be opportunities for those who knew Lloyd to speak about their memories with her, as well as a space for painting rocks for the memorial. Electric candles will be provided.
The vigil also has a broader purpose: raising awareness about domestic violence.
Former partners of Lloyd’s husband, Jeffrey Ernest Evans, have alleged in court proceedings that he physically and mentally abused them, backing up claims with police reports from as early as 2007.
Similar allegations have been made regarding his relationship with Lloyd. According to police records, neighbors heard a woman scream “My husband is trying to kill me,” hours before her body was discovered on Aug. 25.
“I feel like I was in the dark about it. I didn’t realize how many people in my life have been affected by [domestic violence],” Warren said. “I think that silence is deadly and we need to speak up, and when something doesn’t feel right, we need to say something — or you’ll live with the guilt that I’m living with now.”
Loved ones selected the Queen Crepe Myrtle for its purple flowers — the color associated with domestic violence awareness.
Brittany Lloyd, Jessica Lloyd’s younger sister, said she hopes the memorial can serve as a gathering place.
“It’s a place where people can come and sit with her and remember her,” Lloyd said. “We don’t have closure yet. This is a good start.”
Saturday’s event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Cypress Park.
The Lloyd family has also set up a GoFundMe to honor her memory, including covering funeral and legal costs.
