Jonathan Ferrell Family Three Years Later

CHARLOTTE, NC– “Jonathan had the most amazing hugs that you can imagine,” said Jonathan’s mother, Georgia Ferrell.

You don’t have to ask Georgia Ferrell twice what she misses most about her son Jonathan. But these days the family stays busy honoring his memory with the foundation in his name, which has already sent three kids to college.

” We have different toy drives we have different back to school drives we have different families with utilities and different bills they have,” said Jonathan’s brother, Willie Ferrell.

“It makes me feel good that this is who my son really was, his legacy was to help others and bring smiles to people’s faces,” said Georgia.

Officer Wes Kerrick was acquitted of manslaughter charges in Jonathan’s death. Not the verdict the Ferrell family hoped for, but they say they hope to be an example of peace and faith for others who feel justice hasn’t been served.

“It should help uplift other people to want to see ok well this family is mature enough and has it in their heart to forgive the law enforcement,” said Willie.

The Ferrell family has focused on working with police – to bridge the gap to save another family from their pain.

“Try to make sure they get into the community, with the youth in the inner city kids to make sure they build that relationship so the crime rate will drop,” said Willie.

One thing the family isn’t doing – giving up using tragedy to make a difference.

“You must continue to live because when you have other children you want them to know hey you can get past this, but we show a positive way,” said Georgia.

The Ferrell family has also partnered with Johnson C Smith to set up a scholarship in Jonathan’s name. Thursday, the Ferrell’s will travel to Greenville to team up with Mom’s Demand Action working to end gun violence.