Four-month-old Journee Akins sits on her grandmother Ayesha Pankey’s lap on Friday. Journee’s mother, Jasmine Akins, was shot to death on Market Street in September, and Pankey and her son Jamaine now are raising Journee.THE WISH LIST
Diapers, size 4 and above, preferably Luv’s or Huggies Shoes, size 4 or larger, infant Toys appropriate for a 7- or 8-month-old High chair Play pen, portable or permanent Dresser WHERE TO DONATE * Police Services Center — 3410 Amnicola Highway, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. * Christ Community Church — 3129 New York Ave., between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, Dec. 17 and 19. Source: Chattanooga Police Department
Jasmine Akins planned the steps of her daughter’s life before the baby could even walk.
When Journee was a tiny baby, she imaged her girl growing up. What personality would develop? Would she be shy or outspoken? Would she have an attitude?
She talked about getting Journee’s ears pierced, and before Journee was even a few months old, Jasmine started planning her daughter’s first birthday party. It would be a beach-themed party, Jasmine told her mother, Ayesha Pankey — as long as it wasn’t too cold for a beach party in May.
But on Sept. 7, just days before Journee turned 4 months old, those dreams died.