Teacher, husband remembered at vigil

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Hundreds gathered Sunday evening in Greenwood to remember one of their own.

Second grade teacher Jennifer Longworth and her husband Dion were the two victims of Saturday night’s tragic explosion on the city’s south side.

Jennifer Longworth taught at Southwest Elementary for twelve years, said co-workers Sunday.

Co-workers, friends, family, students and parents all gathered outside for a candlelight vigil.

They laid flowers and candles near the flagpole outside, and wrote messages to Mrs. Longworth on a poster board.

Many spoke highly of Jennifer.

“She taught second grade for many years,” said Jo Ellen Villines, a retired teacher who kept in touch with Longworth. “It’s just devastating. I just know she’s going to be terribly missed in the school community of Greenwood.”

Friends said Longworth graduated from Center Grove High School.

Sunday evening the news was still sinking in.

Michelle Roberts’ daughter had Mrs. Longworth for a teacher. “I just am shocked that it happened. I just can’t believe it. I mean you just don’t think about those things happening, you’re in your home, you think you’re safe.”

Jennifer was well-liked, and respected in the community, and by those she’d taught.

“Very soft spoken, very sweet. Loved to be with the kids,” said Roberts.

Jennifer’s husband Dion’s family also came to the vigil Sunday. Tylor Smith came to remember his uncle.

“I don’t think a lot of us think he’s really gone yet… it was so sudden,” said Smith. “I was very very close to him; he taught me to drive stick shift. Took me to a lot of concerts. He was a lot more like a father figure.”

Now colleagues and parents left to cope themselves, and explain a concept to children far beyond their years.

Greenwood Schools will all be on a two hour delay Monday morning.

They will have grief counselors and support staff on hand for both teachers and students.