DECATUR - Many words were spoken against domestic violence in First Evangelical Lutheran Church, but Britney Marquis needed none to express the pain it causes.

Her tearful eyes and trembling lips, as she prepared to light a candle in her aunt's memory, said it all.

Forty-three-year-old Dawn Rochelle Marquis, who died Aug. 25 from a gunshot wound to the head, was one of two Decatur women remembered Thursday night during an annual ceremony by Dove Inc. and four other agencies. The other was Jane Cole, 60, found stabbed to death, allegedly by her son, June 7.

But between those two candles was a third lit to celebrate all those who survive and those who work to end the abuse.

"This flame symbolizes the light of hope, freedom and peace," said Teri Ducy, director of Dove's domestic violence program. "It is our prayer that some day, there will be a world free of domestic violence and sexual assault, and it will be filled with everlasting peace and kindness among all people."

Ducy also recognized the shipping and receiving department of Decatur's Target store and six other people with awards for assisting the program with its work.

The individuals included Garfield Montessori School teachers Kim Hainline and Caryn Fuitin, along with their husbands Dan Hainline and Kent Fuitin, for the children's library they and their students installed this spring at the domestic violence shelter as the culmination of their yearlong "Read for Peace" project.

Others honored were attorney Susan Nicholas and Associate Macon County Circuit Court Judge James Coryell.

Yet, as Ducy and other speakers reminded about 100 people in attendance, much work remains.

The Rev. Dow Moses of New Vision Church said he discovered the other day that each and every member of a small group of clergy he was with had experienced domestic violence in some way.

"Ladies in that group were talking about their childhoods," he said. "One man talked about being set on fire."

The Rev. Jim Montgomery of First Presbyterian Church said the Psalms offer comfort and the courage to go on. "Memory is strong," he said. "Hope is stronger."

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