Milwaukee family uses billboard to remember loved one

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- People will never forget 18-year-old Ashawnti Terry's face. It's plastered on a billboard near 35th and Capitol.

"It's a joy to really ride past her and see her good memories," Shawn Terry said. He is Ashawnti's father. 

Thursday, May 6, 2021, Terry and her friend were killed in a car crash near 91st and Bradley. Police say she lost control of the car and rear-ended a truck.

"It's so unreal. She had just got back from out of town, she went to Miami, her and her cousins and I didn't get a chance to see her when she got back.

Terry said he loves driving past the billboard.

"I wave at her and blow her a kiss."

August Schober is the owner of the billboard. It's his first memorial ad. 

"When I hung it and stepped back to look at it, it turned out absolutely amazing," Schober said. 

Ashawnti's photo is part of a larger conversation. Families who've loss their loved ones to reckless driving or murder can also use a billboard as a memorial.

"These ads are specifically important as a constant reminder things need to change. The violence needs to change. Change starts with us, it doesn't start with someone else. It starts with everyone all together," Schober said.

As of the Terry family, they're hoping her smile gives hope to make a difference in your community. 

They are planning a balloon release near the billboard on May 6, marking one year since her passing.