Honor these women by living good lives

Two women slain by a deranged gunman’s hand were at different stages of their careers and lives.

But both women — unforgettable in their ways — left legacies and memories that should inspire the shaken world they left behind. Let’s embrace — tightly — what their lives meant.

Jillian Johnson, 33, a creative force for good in Lafayette, was an artist, merchant and musician whose gentle hand worked in myriad ways, large and small, for a better community. She was a wife and family woman whose talents resounded locally with successful businesses, she had a vital part in a popular local band and a well-regarded show on public radio.

But at a Saturday vigil, a neighbor recalled that Johnson, who moved into his Simcoe Street neighborhood four years ago, also planted colorful trees and plants in her neighborhood to brighten the landscape. Planting trees and fostering beauty is a neighborly act; her street would be “very sad without her,” her neighbor said.

Mayci Breaux of Franklin, just 21, had a promising career unfolding before her: She’d studied at South Louisiana Community College and LSU-Eunice, and was days from starting her training in Lafayette General Health System’s X-ray program. A dancer for 17 years, she had been active in her community and in ministry and she had plans.

No one could foresee four days ago that both women would be eulogized today — one at a Lafayette funeral home, the other at a Franklin church — 90 minutes apart. No one could predict the heartache this community bears from their sudden loss. But that’s what has happened. Life, no matter how well planned or executed, can turn tragic in an instant.

Lives lived well should not be remembered solely in terms of unforeseen, untimely ends. People know too well what happened last Thursday at the Grand Theatre in Lafayette; now let’s remember first and always the joy these women created and the love they left behind.

While people knew Jillian Johnson as a success story, Morgan Munzing, 14, who shopped at Johnson’s store, spoke at a vigil of her big smile and recounted her hugs. A gunman could steal Johnson’s life, but he can’t erase that.

A weekend vigil was held for Mayci Breaux, too. Friends and family gathered at a Franklin funeral home to pray the rosary and honor her life. “Dance on the clouds, Mayci,” wrote one Facebook writer.

What better way to honor these beautiful lives today but to emulate them. “Do good work” was what Johnson’s father taught her; she did just that. On this day, honor these good women by doing the same.

Plant a tree. Hug someone. Share your smile. Sing your song. Dance on the clouds.