A garden to remember Jessica, a place to save others

What started as an idea on a drive home from work has become a mission: a memorial garden that remembers Jessica Dishon while quietly offering a lifeline to others facing abuse.

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Sometimes the most beautiful tributes grow from the deepest pain.

This fall, a special memorial garden will break ground at Shepherdsville City Park, honoring Jessica Dishon while creating a safe space for others facing domestic violence and abuse.

DeAnna O'Connell, Jessica's cousin, came up with the idea on her drive home from work one day. A member of National Women in Agriculture since 2023, she was inspired by a challenge from the national chapter to use agriculture to serve her community.

"I just thought, man, a garden that could provide resources for people, could provide peace and beauty and just a place to reflect for their loved one," O'Connell said. "But also it's a place that is non-threatening."

Jessica's story

17-year-old Jessica Dishon went missing on September 10, 1999, in Bullitt County. Her body was found 10 days later, beaten to death, not far from her Shepherdsville home. Two brothers were initially indicted in connection with her murder two years after she was found dead, but were later found to have no connection to her death.

Her case remained unsolved for 15 years before her uncle, Stanley Dishon, took a plea deal and is now serving time for her death. The investigation also revealed a history of child molestation and abuse between Dishon and his niece.

For Jessica's mother, Edna, and the rest of the family, the pain remains fresh decades later. O'Connell sees it in her aunt's face every May on Jessica's birthday, every September on the anniversary of her disappearance, and every October when her body was found.

"Those things she will repeat for the rest of her life," O'Connell said. "That will never go away."

More than just a memorial

Now, Jessica's cousin DeAnna, is honoring her with a vision that goes beyond remembrance. She hopes the garden will serve as a lifeline for people in dangerous situations.

"If there is a person that is in the park that is suffering from domestic violence, or any kind of abuse, and they're with their children, or they're by themselves, and they see this garden, and there's resource phone numbers on there, then it may spark a sense of bravery and hope and courage," she explained.

The garden will feature a four-by-four circle planter, featuring native Kentucky plants, a commemorative plaque, and a seated bench. Resource information for domestic violence support will be displayed throughout the space.

"In domestic violence situations, especially, the act of leaving can be the most dangerous time," O'Connell said. "This is something that's just a beautiful alternative in a community place that would be, hopefully, a safe place for someone."

O'Connell told me the mayor of Shepherdsville has embraced the project, offering to host walks at the garden to bring together families who have experienced similar tragedies. She said her long-term vision including a growing garden, to include the stories of other victims and survivors.

"There's more than just Jessica out there. There's more families that have suffered through this," she said. "It'll be a place the community can gather together and heal and get resources from one another and gain strength to maybe reach back and help someone else out of that situation."

How you can help

A workday is scheduled for October 12 to break ground and begin planting. Fall is the ideal time to plant native species in Kentucky, allowing them to establish roots before frost and bloom beautifully come spring. Most of the native plants have been covered through donations from the agricultural community.

But more help is needed! The project is currently self-funded, and organizers are looking for donations of landscaping pavers to create a border around the garden.

"I know that it's going to happen. I know the community is interested, and we're going to make it work one way or the other," O'Connell said.

When I asked what Jessica might think about the memorial, O'Connell believes her cousin would be proud.

"I think that she would be extremely proud of anyone who chose to be involved in giving other victims voices. Unfortunately, her voice was cut short. But through this, and other projects that we could reach out and change the life of someone else, we can carry that voice on."

The memorial garden at Shepherdsville City Park will stand as both a tribute to a life lost and a beacon of hope for those still fighting to break free.

If you'd like to help out, or can donate landscape pavers, you can get in touch with DeAnna on Facebook or by email at deannaoconnellnwiaa@gmail.com.

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