Tree, Bench Donated in Memory of Three Troy Teens

(July, 2015) - A memorial tree and bench at Troy’s Lincoln Community Center will serve as living reminders of three young teens who lost their lives earlier this year to carbon monoxide poisoning. A red sunset maple tree and a bench were donated to the center by the employees of Upper Valley Medical Center. 

The tree and bench will call the front lawn of the Lincoln Center home following a dedication ceremony July 10 to honor the teens: sisters Dionanna Alexander-Bishop, 14, and Dejah Alexander-Bishop, 13, and their cousin, Jakia Jones, 13.  Jakia’s brother, Jahari Ward, 8, was hospitalized in the incident, but survived.  He attended the dedication along with his grandmother, Jean Bishop, with whom the children resided. 

During the dedication, Becky Rice, UVMC President and CEO, said more than 90 caregivers along with paramedics responded to the UVMC Emergency Department when the tragedy occurred. “Lots and lots of people responded to give them a chance to live, to help them and try and save their lives. We wanted to pay tribute them as well,” she said. 

UVMC employees donated more than $1,200 to make the memorials a reality under the coordination of the UVMC Future Leaders, Rice said.  

“I am thankful for UVMC and the leadership of people in the Future Leaders program,” said Shane Carter, Lincoln center director. He also thanked the city and those involved in a new program a carbon monoxide detector to those who need one for their home. 

Carter said the three girls and Ward spent a lot of time at the center. Their loss, he said, “brought a lot of people together. It taught us a lot of things.” Both Jahari Ward and Jean Bishop had words of thanks for the community following the dedication. 

“I want to thank the community for coming out and helping and showing love, doing everything they did for me and my family. I thank them,” Jean Bishop said.

Contact Us

Discover more about Premier Health and join us in building healthier communities in Southwest Ohio. Learn more about working at Premier Health, becoming a volunteer, and making a gift to support our mission.