After adopted SC 3-year-old girl was killed, her biological family lays her to rest.
It was a simple funeral in the graveyard of a Travelers Rest church for Victoria Rose Smith.
Her biological family and the moms who cared for her in foster care stood under cloudy skies in a sure chill and watched family members carry the small white casket to the grave site. They fought hard for the privilege to bury their child.
A blanket Victoria had when she lived with her biological mom was placed under a spray of pink roses, carnations and lilies. A preacher spoke about the girl everyone described as "sassy and smart," and an iPad played the song "Dancing in the Sky."' It begins, "Tell me what does it look like in Heaven. Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?"
Casie Phares, Victoria's biological mother, put a teddy bear that had been Victoria's into the burial vault. Tiffany Huggins, Victoria's foster mom before she was sent to live with Ariel and Austin Robinson, added a mermaid.
Victoria died on Jan. 14, and her adoptive parents were arrested Jan. 19 on charges of homicide by child abuse.
In the tender age of just three, Victoria Rose "Tori" Smith's life was a mosaic of profound contrasts—of familial love and unthinkable tragedy. Born on March 27, 2017, in Greenville, South Carolina, she was a spark of joy to her parents, Bradley David Smith and Casie Hope Phares, and a beloved sister to Jaeden Alan Elliott and Colton Michael Smith. Her brief journey on earth, surrounded by a loving extended family of grandparents, uncles, and aunts, was cut tragically short, leaving behind a heartrending narrative of loss and a community shaken to its core.
Victoria's story is more than a sequence of events; it's a testament to the impact a single, young life can have and the profound void its loss leaves. Her early years were marked by the typical joys of childhood, as her sassy and smart personality blossomed. She became known for her vibrant character, a child full of life, potential, and a family that cherished every moment with her. The tragedy of her death, caused by those entrusted to care for her, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the innocent and the responsibilities we hold as a society to protect them.
The circumstances of Victoria's death are heart-wrenching. Adopted into a home that was to offer safety and love, she instead faced her demise. On January 14, 2021, the world lost a bright, young soul to violence that is difficult to comprehend. Her adoptive parents, Ariel and Austin Robinson, were found guilty of homicide by child abuse, a revelation that shook the community and drew attention to the plight of many children in the foster system. The subsequent trial and sentences handed down to the Robinsons unveiled a series of harrowing details and a life lost far too soon.
In the wake of such darkness, however, there is light in the remembrance of Victoria. Her biological family, along with those who cared for her in foster care, gave her a dignified farewell, a testament to the love and battle they endured to lay her to rest. The symbolic acts of placing her beloved blanket, a teddy bear, and a mermaid toy by her gravesite, and the poignant strains of "Dancing in the Sky" playing in the background, were not just a goodbye but a celebration of her life and spirit. They symbolized the love that surrounded her, the innocence that defined her, and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
Victoria's legacy extends beyond the personal. It's a call to action—a stark reminder of the crucial need for vigilance and reform in the foster care and adoption systems. The community's outpouring of grief and support following the trial reflected a collective determination to seek justice and to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Her story has stirred conversations about child safety, the importance of thorough and compassionate vetting in foster care and adoption, and the broader societal responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.
In remembering Victoria Rose Smith, it's not just the loss that we reflect on but the joy and brightness she brought into the world during her short time. Her story compels us to advocate for those who can't do it for themselves, to strengthen the systems designed to protect children, and to ensure that no child's life is cut short by the very hands that are supposed to care for them. While the sadness of her premature departure is profound, the resolve it has ignited to protect and cherish the innocence of childhood is her lasting tribute.
Written by: Alan Owen
Heartfelt Thank you to Rhonda C./Friends for sponsoring Victoria's memorial
༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻LOVING MEMORY༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
It was a simple funeral in the graveyard of a Travelers Rest church for Victoria Rose Smith.
Her biological family and the moms who cared for her in foster care stood under cloudy skies in a sure chill and watched family members carry the small white casket to the grave site. They fought hard for the privilege to bury their child.
A blanket Victoria had when she lived with her biological mom was placed under a spray of pink roses, carnations and lilies. A preacher spoke about the girl everyone described as "sassy and smart," and an iPad played the song "Dancing in the Sky."' It begins, "Tell me what does it look like in Heaven. Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?"
Casie Phares, Victoria's biological mother, put a teddy bear that had been Victoria's into the burial vault. Tiffany Huggins, Victoria's foster mom before she was sent to live with Ariel and Austin Robinson, added a mermaid.
Victoria died on Jan. 14, and her adoptive parents were arrested Jan. 19 on charges of homicide by child abuse.
In the tender age of just three, Victoria Rose "Tori" Smith's life was a mosaic of profound contrasts—of familial love and unthinkable tragedy. Born on March 27, 2017, in Greenville, South Carolina, she was a spark of joy to her parents, Bradley David Smith and Casie Hope Phares, and a beloved sister to Jaeden Alan Elliott and Colton Michael Smith. Her brief journey on earth, surrounded by a loving extended family of grandparents, uncles, and aunts, was cut tragically short, leaving behind a heartrending narrative of loss and a community shaken to its core.
Victoria's story is more than a sequence of events; it's a testament to the impact a single, young life can have and the profound void its loss leaves. Her early years were marked by the typical joys of childhood, as her sassy and smart personality blossomed. She became known for her vibrant character, a child full of life, potential, and a family that cherished every moment with her. The tragedy of her death, caused by those entrusted to care for her, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the innocent and the responsibilities we hold as a society to protect them.
The circumstances of Victoria's death are heart-wrenching. Adopted into a home that was to offer safety and love, she instead faced her demise. On January 14, 2021, the world lost a bright, young soul to violence that is difficult to comprehend. Her adoptive parents, Ariel and Austin Robinson, were found guilty of homicide by child abuse, a revelation that shook the community and drew attention to the plight of many children in the foster system. The subsequent trial and sentences handed down to the Robinsons unveiled a series of harrowing details and a life lost far too soon.
In the wake of such darkness, however, there is light in the remembrance of Victoria. Her biological family, along with those who cared for her in foster care, gave her a dignified farewell, a testament to the love and battle they endured to lay her to rest. The symbolic acts of placing her beloved blanket, a teddy bear, and a mermaid toy by her gravesite, and the poignant strains of "Dancing in the Sky" playing in the background, were not just a goodbye but a celebration of her life and spirit. They symbolized the love that surrounded her, the innocence that defined her, and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
Victoria's legacy extends beyond the personal. It's a call to action—a stark reminder of the crucial need for vigilance and reform in the foster care and adoption systems. The community's outpouring of grief and support following the trial reflected a collective determination to seek justice and to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Her story has stirred conversations about child safety, the importance of thorough and compassionate vetting in foster care and adoption, and the broader societal responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.
In remembering Victoria Rose Smith, it's not just the loss that we reflect on but the joy and brightness she brought into the world during her short time. Her story compels us to advocate for those who can't do it for themselves, to strengthen the systems designed to protect children, and to ensure that no child's life is cut short by the very hands that are supposed to care for them. While the sadness of her premature departure is profound, the resolve it has ignited to protect and cherish the innocence of childhood is her lasting tribute.
Written by: Alan Owen
Heartfelt Thank you to Rhonda C./Friends for sponsoring Victoria's memorial
༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻LOVING MEMORY༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
After adopted SC 3-year-old girl was killed, her biological family lays her to rest.
It was a simple funeral in the graveyard of a Travelers Rest church for Victoria Rose Smith.
Her biological family and the moms who cared for her in foster care stood under cloudy skies in a sure chill and watched family members carry the small white casket to the grave site. They fought hard for the privilege to bury their child.
A blanket Victoria had when she lived with her biological mom was placed under a spray of pink roses, carnations and lilies. A preacher spoke about the girl everyone described as "sassy and smart," and an iPad played the song "Dancing in the Sky."' It begins, "Tell me what does it look like in Heaven. Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?"
Casie Phares, Victoria's biological mother, put a teddy bear that had been Victoria's into the burial vault. Tiffany Huggins, Victoria's foster mom before she was sent to live with Ariel and Austin Robinson, added a mermaid.
Victoria died on Jan. 14, and her adoptive parents were arrested Jan. 19 on charges of homicide by child abuse.
In the tender age of just three, Victoria Rose "Tori" Smith's life was a mosaic of profound contrasts—of familial love and unthinkable tragedy. Born on March 27, 2017, in Greenville, South Carolina, she was a spark of joy to her parents, Bradley David Smith and Casie Hope Phares, and a beloved sister to Jaeden Alan Elliott and Colton Michael Smith. Her brief journey on earth, surrounded by a loving extended family of grandparents, uncles, and aunts, was cut tragically short, leaving behind a heartrending narrative of loss and a community shaken to its core.
Victoria's story is more than a sequence of events; it's a testament to the impact a single, young life can have and the profound void its loss leaves. Her early years were marked by the typical joys of childhood, as her sassy and smart personality blossomed. She became known for her vibrant character, a child full of life, potential, and a family that cherished every moment with her. The tragedy of her death, caused by those entrusted to care for her, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the innocent and the responsibilities we hold as a society to protect them.
The circumstances of Victoria's death are heart-wrenching. Adopted into a home that was to offer safety and love, she instead faced her demise. On January 14, 2021, the world lost a bright, young soul to violence that is difficult to comprehend. Her adoptive parents, Ariel and Austin Robinson, were found guilty of homicide by child abuse, a revelation that shook the community and drew attention to the plight of many children in the foster system. The subsequent trial and sentences handed down to the Robinsons unveiled a series of harrowing details and a life lost far too soon.
In the wake of such darkness, however, there is light in the remembrance of Victoria. Her biological family, along with those who cared for her in foster care, gave her a dignified farewell, a testament to the love and battle they endured to lay her to rest. The symbolic acts of placing her beloved blanket, a teddy bear, and a mermaid toy by her gravesite, and the poignant strains of "Dancing in the Sky" playing in the background, were not just a goodbye but a celebration of her life and spirit. They symbolized the love that surrounded her, the innocence that defined her, and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
Victoria's legacy extends beyond the personal. It's a call to action—a stark reminder of the crucial need for vigilance and reform in the foster care and adoption systems. The community's outpouring of grief and support following the trial reflected a collective determination to seek justice and to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Her story has stirred conversations about child safety, the importance of thorough and compassionate vetting in foster care and adoption, and the broader societal responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.
In remembering Victoria Rose Smith, it's not just the loss that we reflect on but the joy and brightness she brought into the world during her short time. Her story compels us to advocate for those who can't do it for themselves, to strengthen the systems designed to protect children, and to ensure that no child's life is cut short by the very hands that are supposed to care for them. While the sadness of her premature departure is profound, the resolve it has ignited to protect and cherish the innocence of childhood is her lasting tribute.
Written by: Alan Owen
Heartfelt Thank you to Rhonda C./Friends for sponsoring Victoria's memorial
༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻LOVING MEMORY༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
It was a simple funeral in the graveyard of a Travelers Rest church for Victoria Rose Smith.
Her biological family and the moms who cared for her in foster care stood under cloudy skies in a sure chill and watched family members carry the small white casket to the grave site. They fought hard for the privilege to bury their child.
A blanket Victoria had when she lived with her biological mom was placed under a spray of pink roses, carnations and lilies. A preacher spoke about the girl everyone described as "sassy and smart," and an iPad played the song "Dancing in the Sky."' It begins, "Tell me what does it look like in Heaven. Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?"
Casie Phares, Victoria's biological mother, put a teddy bear that had been Victoria's into the burial vault. Tiffany Huggins, Victoria's foster mom before she was sent to live with Ariel and Austin Robinson, added a mermaid.
Victoria died on Jan. 14, and her adoptive parents were arrested Jan. 19 on charges of homicide by child abuse.
In the tender age of just three, Victoria Rose "Tori" Smith's life was a mosaic of profound contrasts—of familial love and unthinkable tragedy. Born on March 27, 2017, in Greenville, South Carolina, she was a spark of joy to her parents, Bradley David Smith and Casie Hope Phares, and a beloved sister to Jaeden Alan Elliott and Colton Michael Smith. Her brief journey on earth, surrounded by a loving extended family of grandparents, uncles, and aunts, was cut tragically short, leaving behind a heartrending narrative of loss and a community shaken to its core.
Victoria's story is more than a sequence of events; it's a testament to the impact a single, young life can have and the profound void its loss leaves. Her early years were marked by the typical joys of childhood, as her sassy and smart personality blossomed. She became known for her vibrant character, a child full of life, potential, and a family that cherished every moment with her. The tragedy of her death, caused by those entrusted to care for her, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the innocent and the responsibilities we hold as a society to protect them.
The circumstances of Victoria's death are heart-wrenching. Adopted into a home that was to offer safety and love, she instead faced her demise. On January 14, 2021, the world lost a bright, young soul to violence that is difficult to comprehend. Her adoptive parents, Ariel and Austin Robinson, were found guilty of homicide by child abuse, a revelation that shook the community and drew attention to the plight of many children in the foster system. The subsequent trial and sentences handed down to the Robinsons unveiled a series of harrowing details and a life lost far too soon.
In the wake of such darkness, however, there is light in the remembrance of Victoria. Her biological family, along with those who cared for her in foster care, gave her a dignified farewell, a testament to the love and battle they endured to lay her to rest. The symbolic acts of placing her beloved blanket, a teddy bear, and a mermaid toy by her gravesite, and the poignant strains of "Dancing in the Sky" playing in the background, were not just a goodbye but a celebration of her life and spirit. They symbolized the love that surrounded her, the innocence that defined her, and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
Victoria's legacy extends beyond the personal. It's a call to action—a stark reminder of the crucial need for vigilance and reform in the foster care and adoption systems. The community's outpouring of grief and support following the trial reflected a collective determination to seek justice and to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Her story has stirred conversations about child safety, the importance of thorough and compassionate vetting in foster care and adoption, and the broader societal responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.
In remembering Victoria Rose Smith, it's not just the loss that we reflect on but the joy and brightness she brought into the world during her short time. Her story compels us to advocate for those who can't do it for themselves, to strengthen the systems designed to protect children, and to ensure that no child's life is cut short by the very hands that are supposed to care for them. While the sadness of her premature departure is profound, the resolve it has ignited to protect and cherish the innocence of childhood is her lasting tribute.
Written by: Alan Owen
Heartfelt Thank you to Rhonda C./Friends for sponsoring Victoria's memorial
༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻LOVING MEMORY༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
