Community remembers Jennings kindergarten child who died last year when a fallen tree crashed onto his house

JENNINGS, Missouri – It was a sunny, perfect day at Pocket Park in Jennings.

LaWanda Thomas enjoyed the great weather, helped with the catering and prepared for an emotional day.

“I’m fine. I’m coping. I’m just trying to survive and get through this,” Thomas said.

On July 1st last year, the unthinkable shocked her and her family.

A year ago, a storm blew through her son’s bedroom and a huge tree fell through the air.

Five-year-old Robert “RJ” Lawrence III was killed just days before his sixth birthday.

“His smile, his conversations, everything. I miss everything about him. The way he loved me,” RJ’s mother added.

An event on Thursday put a big smile on Thomas’ face.

“It’s nice to see that the community has come together for him,” she said.

Many mothers, fathers and their little ones gathered in the park to remember a happy, friendly RJ on his seventh birthday.

“He was just the most loving kid. He probably knew every single one of them, but even if he didn’t know their names, they were his friends,” Thomas said.

Many of these people did not know the child’s mother, but they had to shower her and RJ’s little brother Raden with hugs and kisses.

From balloons to food to toys for the children, people donated everything. The generosity warmed many hearts.

“I don’t have any family here, so it’s nice that people come here like this. You know that we are one big, happy family,” said Thomas.

Thomas’ high school friend Dorothy Hicks came to support her.

“She needs it. She and Raden need it. It shows that people love her,” Hicks said.

“It gives me hope that we can regain the feeling that everyone is part of the village and you don’t have to know each other to show love,” said Aja Owens, who organized the event.