'She's our angel': Crosswalk to be dedicated to 7-year-old killed crossing Vine Street

A crosswalk in Avondale was dedicated to Sharesse Lattimore, a 7-year-old who was struck and killed there in March.

Family members, friends and community leaders donned purple, unicorn headbands and T-shirts with pictures of Sharesse and messages like, "My angel" and "Rest in Heaven."

Councilwomen Liz Keating and Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney dedicated the crosswalk at the corner of Vine Street and Ehrman Avenue, where Sharesse, also known as ReRe, was struck.

In honor of Sharesse, the crosswalk signs on both sides of the road are purple, which was her favorite color. It is the only crosswalk signage that is purple in the city, according to Keating.

More than 60 people gathered in 90-degree heat to honor Sharesse. People began to spill into the street as they tried to get closer on the sidewalk to listen to council members, leaders and Sharesse's parents and grandmother speak Tuesday.

Part of the road was blocked with cones, but cars continued down busy Vine Street during the unveiling.

"Every time we pass this crossing, we'll think about the joy she brought. She's here today, can't you feel her?" said Lemon Kearney. "She's our angel watching over us and saying live your life with joy."

Councilman Steve Goodin spoke about pedestrian safety and talked about his 17-year-old sister who was struck and killed in the 1980s.

Former teachers and administrators from Sharesse's school described her as bossy "with spice in her character and swag in her personality."

Many members of Sharesse's family were in attendance. "She will never be forgotten," said Belinda Lattimore, Sharesse's grandmother. "She was a funny little girl and we all loved her."

Sandra Jones Mitchell, president of the Avondale Community Council, said the crosswalk dedication is not all the community is doing to stop other incidents like this from happening.

She says there will be signs all over Avondale reminding drivers to slow down and leaders are working to teach children to safely cross the street, she said.

Sharesse’s babysitter, Mesha Smith, 40, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangering in her death.

Prosecutors say Smith left Sharesse and her cousin unattended as she ran across Vine Street to get into a vehicle. That prompted Sharesse and the other child to follow her, investigators said.

The driver who struck Sharesse and her cousin, a 17-year-old, has not been charged in the crash. Police said he stayed on the scene and cooperated with officers.

Shareese's father described her as precious.

"Holidays and birthdays will never be the same," said Billy Lattimore. "Usually I don't drive down this street, but now I'll go past it."

She was 'a sweetheart':Family mourns 7-year-old Shareese Lattimore, killed in crash