There was singing and praying at the park pavilion; a large picture of Kristi Cornwell was the centerpiece; Her mother, retired third grade school teacher Jo Ann Cornwell, organized the vigil, recalling the day her missing daughter was born, how she looked as a newborn, and the memory of holding her for the first time. She read a poem, a 'Mother's Love'.
"We've always had hope, we never lost hope," Mrs. Cornwell said, referring to the G.B.I's recent disclosure about a possible suspect in the case. "It's a celebration, we're celebrating her birthday and since she's not here we did not want the day to go by without recognizing it."
Last Thursday a second police sketch of a suspect, a full facial image, was released; the GBI released the first sketch - a profile rendering - a couple of weeks ago based on a description given by a woman who was the victim of an attempted kidnapping in Ranger, N.C., about 25 miles from where Cornwell was last seen. That incident occurred a few days before Cornwell's disappearance.
The facial sketch is based on information given authorities by a woman who said she was the victim of an attempted abduction in Morgan County.
Kristi Cornwellâ

The burning candles held by the audience of friends illuminated the frigid darkness

Kristi Cornwell's mother, retired third grade school teacher Jo Ann Cornwell, organized the vigil

Teresa Thomason, who taught third grade with Jo Ann Cornwell, handed out the candles as people arrived
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