2nd Anniversary November 3rd, 2008
Take a moment, light a candle, think of Justine and have faith that justice will be done. Please also take a moment write your own remembrance in our guest book (see link below). And keep checking this Website for more news next week.
ABC News Primetime Crime Program Featured Justine's Story
On Wednesday July 30th, 2008 ABC aired a one hour special investigative report on the circumstances surrounding Justine's death. Her family and friends welcomed this coverage. Go to the following link or to the "Primetime" section of the ABC website for more on the program. (Read Article)
A daughter...a sister...a kindergarten teacher loved by her students and parents alike...a step-mom and newlywed looking forward to her honeymoon, and building a new home with her new family. Justine Swartz Abshire touched hundreds of lives and the world was a better place because of it. On November 3, 2006, Justine Swartz Abshire was killed in what was reported as a hit-and-run accident. In March of 2008, the Virginia State Police publicly stated Justine was more likely a murder victim. She was just 27 years old.
The Police investigation remains open and very active. Justine's family and friends are also committed to finding out the truth. They want justice for this young woman whose bright future was senselessly and abruptly cut off. The people who love Justine call on those in the community to do the right thing by coming forward with any information that may be of value to the investigation.
What: The death of Justine Swartz Abshire in an alleged hit-and-run incident
When: Thursday night, November 2nd/Friday morning, November 3rd
Where: Justine's body was found on Taylorsville Road, Barboursville Virginia near the Greene County line
A $50,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her death.
If you have any information at all that may help, please call Special Agent Mike Jones at (800) 572-2260 or (540) 829-7400.
You can also email at info@justineabshire.com.
While we search for justice, please help us also celebrate Justine's life by signing our Guestbook. Tell us your funny stories about Justine; how she touched your life; if you or your children were inspired by her way of looking at the world. Your kind words mean so much to us and they help keep Justine's spirit and gifts alive to all who read them.
"Justice for Justine" Bracelets
Show your support by wearing a "Justice for Justine" bracelet. There is no charge for bracelets, simply mail your request, together with the number of bracelets you want, and your return address to:
Justine Abshire Memorial
PO Box 22543
Philadelphia, PA 19110
You can also request a Bracelet by using the info@justineabshire.com email link on this site.
Quilt Squares
Long before Justine was a kindergarten teacher, she was a kindergarten student. Justine's fellow kindergarteners all decorated fabric squares, which were then made into a Happiness Quilt. When the Quilt was raffled off at a school event, Justine was the lucky winner. She treasured her Happiness Quilt the rest of her life.
As part of the November 2007 Vigil, those who attended had the opportunity to help create a new Memorial Quilt. The Quilt is still growing. If you’d like to add to it, make your own decorated quilt square, using permanent markers, appliqué, quilting or a decorative technique that is durable and cleanable. Send it to:
Justine Abshire Memorial
PO Box 22543
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Memorial Fund
A Justine Abshire Memorial Fund has been established. The fund is used to support the ongoing quest for Justice for Justine and to keep Justines memory alive. Once those responsible for Justines death are brought to justice, the fund will be used to support educational initiatives for Kindergarten teachers and students. If you would like to contribute to the fund make your check payable to the Justine Abshire Memorial Fund and mail to the following address:
Justine Abshire Memorial
PO Box 22543
Philadelphia, PA 19110
This site owned and operated by the Friends and Family of Justine Swartz Abshire
With grateful appreciation to NV Host for web hosting and Ransom Group for website design. Photos Courtesy of Robert Radifera
Justine’s Life
Justine Elizabeth Swartz Abshire was born on February 6, 1979 in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she and her family lived until she was eleven. She then lived in Germantown, Tennessee for several years until her family moved to the Charlottesville, Virginia area. Justine completed her undergraduate studies at James Madison University and was working on her master's degree at the University of Virginia to deepen her knowledge of elementary education studies. An avid reader herself, she was particularly interested in fostering a love of reading in her young students. Justine was often involved in service projects, and true to her gentle nature and enthusiasm for pets, she regularly volunteered at animal rescue organizations. She was a young woman who was known for always having a kind word for any whose path she crossed, and her greatest joys were spending time with her family and friends and teaching her kindergarteners at Emerald Hill Elementary in Culpeper, Virginia. She married Eric Abshire in May 2006. Justine's warmth and nurturing presence are greatly missed by her parents, Stephen and Heidi Swartz, her sister, Lauren, her two stepdaughters and her extended family, as well as her students and countless friends.
Justine Swartz
October 3, 2006
I am the ring of water that begins when a tiny pebble falls into the stream,
As time goes my presence will become known, far and wide.
I am an actor behind the scenes, waiting patiently for my part to begin.
I am your cheerleader, silently cheering for you.
I am hopeful of our future and know that I am blessed to be in your life.
You are always in my thoughts and prayers
Click Here to view the First Anniversary Candlelight Vigil, November 3rd 2007
Marking the first anniversary of Justine’s death, we will hold a family-friendly candlelight vigil to share her stories and offer a hopeful light in the darkness surrounding her death. Please join us!
Roadside Remembrance
The above roadside tribute to Justine is located just yards from where she was found. It’s kept up by various people and continues to grow. The site has had over 15 angels placed there, together with numerous other statues and decorations. Please feel free to add your own Remembrance.