By Betty Gandee

This week, all of Clay has been remembering the lives of four precious children taken from this Earth too soon.

On January 13, a fire broke out in Trevor and Katie Neff’s home on Main Street in Clay, and it left the families and community mourning the loss of eight-year old Adrianna Morris, four-year old Lexi Boswell, three-year old Sierra Boswell, and six-month old Wyatt McKinney.

A candlelit vigil brought out well over 100 locals on Tuesday night. All came together for one simple reason, to mourn the loss of these beautiful children. The community came out to show support to the families and to the ones who loved these kids like their own.  They cried together and supported one another in this tragedy.

Lexi’s teachers spoke about how she was a sassy, bubbly, and happy five-year old. “She definitely made it known she was in the room, and liked to be a ‘little teacher.'” Joann Metheney and Kacie Minger say the little things in the classroom that reminds them of her is the hardest thing. The empty cubby, the chore list with her name, attendance charts, and a now empty desk reminds them that they are now missing a piece of their heart.

“It’s hard on the other kids, they are a little extra loving and ask more questions and we try to answer them and comfort each one,” said Metheney. Lexi’s sister Sierra could be described as a child full of bliss and happiness. Her smile was infectious and she was a pure joy to be around and truly lived life to the fullest. Wyatt, who was six-months old and the youngest of the siblings, was a lovable baby with a glowing smile.

Adrianna had Dravet syndrome and was never expected to walk, talk, or survive far past infancy. She beat the odds and was a loving, caring eight-year old. Adrianna always had to have a hug and ask about her dad. “How’s baldy preacher man?” she’d ask. Vickie Perdue says she always wanted complements, and she’d make a point to tell Adrianna she was beautiful and without missing a beat she’d say, “I know.”

These children will be missed by many people who loved them. Memories are now what they hold dear to their hearts, with the focus on remembering their lives in the wake of this horrible tragedy.