A Bench for Alana

A Place to Sit, Remember, and Bloom

On Halloween, a day Alana Grace Williams loved dearly, a beautiful bench, plaque, and tree were dedicated in her honor at Jefferson Memorial Park in Charles Town, West Virginia. Fall was always Alana’s favorite season, and her love for Halloween made the date feel especially meaningful. It felt like a quiet nod from her, as if she had a hand in choosing the day herself.

The memorial includes a bench donated by Adventure World Playsets and a tree donated by South Riding Nursery. In the spring, that tree will bloom purple, Alana’s favorite color, filling the space with a reminder of her warmth, her joy, and the way she brightened every place she stood. The bench and tree were installed by Justin Frances, owner of Cornerstone Lawn Services, who also generously offered to maintain the space so it remains a place of peace and reflection for years to come.

This tribute would not have been possible without Tara Largent, who organized every detail of the dedication. Tara has known and loved Alana since she was a toddler, and her care and devotion were evident in every thoughtful choice that brought this memorial to life.

During the dedication, Tara Largent shared a few words with those gathered.

She thanked everyone for coming and spoke about honoring and remembering Alana Grace Williams, describing her as a bright light whose time with the world was far too short, but whose spirit, kindness, and joy continue to shine through the hearts of those who loved her. She acknowledged the generosity of Adventure World Playsets, South Riding Nursery, and Cornerstone Lawn Services, and thanked the City of Charles Town for allowing the space to become a lasting place of peace and reflection.

As Tara spoke about the tree’s purple blossoms, she shared how they would serve as a reminder each spring of Alana’s favorite color and the beauty she brought into the world. Overcome with emotion, she paused, then continued, expressing that while Alana is no longer physically present, her memory and spirit will continue to grow and blossom, just like the tree, for many years to come.

Alana’s father, Michael Williams, then stepped forward to thank everyone for being there. He shared how meaningful it is that family and friends continue to gather several times a year in Alana’s memory. He expressed gratitude to those who donated and cared for the bench and tree, and reflected on how fitting it was to dedicate the memorial on Halloween, a day Alana loved, especially with her fondness for haunted houses and all things fall.

This bench is more than a place to sit. It is a space to pause, to remember, to breathe, and to feel Alana’s presence in the changing seasons. As the years pass, the tree will grow, the blossoms will return each spring, and her light will continue to meet anyone who stops there, if only for a moment.