THOMASVILLE, Ga. — A balloon release and candlelight vigil are scheduled Friday to honor the memory of Yolanda Bradshaw, who was killed when a vehicle ran over her as she left her night job a week ago.

A Cairo man is charged with homicide in the death, which took place in the parking lot at Southern Pines on Covington Avenue. Bradshaw worked at the assisted-living facility as a private sitter after leaving her full-time job as a teacher at nearby Peanut’s Kiddie Kollege.

At noon Friday at the 106 Covington day-care facility, Bradshaw’s students will release balloons in their teacher’s honor. Children have drawn pictures and written letters to attach to the balloons. The event is open to the public.

At 8:30 p.m. Friday, a public candlelight vigil honoring Bradshaw’s memory will be conducted at the City of Thomasville Rose Garden on Covington Avenue.

The funeral for Bradshaw is at noon Saturday at Thomasville First United Methodist Church.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, June 8, Bradshaw left Peanut’s and traveled the few blocks to Southern Pines.

Bradshaw’s son had arrived to pick up his mother at 11 p.m., when, according to police, the suspect tried to steal the son’s vehicle.

A fight ensued between the suspect and Bradshaw’s son. She was run over and pinned beneath the vehicle.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820