Havre woman loses baby, partner in a month

Last week, Jackie Roberts and her significant other, Craig Lawrence, were mourning the loss of their infant, Daymean Duwayane Lawrence, who they buried Sept. 3.

The baby's death was devastating to them, and they would sometimes go out for rides in the beautiful Hi-Line countryside to calm their nerves.

That's what they were doing Thursday when, for some reason, the Ford Explorer Craig was driving went off Secondary Highway 232 north of Havre, rolled over and killed Craig.

Now Jackie is left mourning her baby and her partner.

"She's the toughest lady I know," said her friend Destany Field. "She and Craig were mourning the loss of their baby, and now this ... ."

Jackie broke her shoulder blade and sustained facial injuries. Her twins, Addison and Serenity, a little more than a year old, were injured. All three were released from Northern Montana Hospital Friday night.

"They wanted her to stay in another day," said Field. "But she wanted to be home with her children."

They had only minor injuries because they were all buckled up and secured safely, Field said.

Craig's loss is being felt throughout town.

4B's Restaurant, where he was a cook, is in mourning.

Even when things are at their busiest, he was a calming force, said Carol Wolf, a veteran waitress.

"When I came in today, a co-worker told me that God had taken Craig so he could watch over his little boy in heaven," a somber Wolf said.

This leaves Jackie at home, disabled with her shoulder in a cast, taking care of two 1-year-olds. She is unable to work at her job at Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods. She is facing mounting bills from the funeral of her son and now the bills for Craig's funeral. The car was destroyed in the accident.

Craig's family lives in the Bronx section of New York City, and they have no money to come to Montana for the funeral.

Friends are working to help her out.

Field said they are planning a benefit to help her out. The Eagles Club has donated space, and they will be going into the community looking for contributions for auction items. The benefit will be 5-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25.

She is working to arrange a circle of friends who will each bring food over to her home daily since she can't prepare her own food.

Donations jars will be placed around town, she said, and other events are being scheduled.

"She's such a loving person," Field said. "She loves her daughters so much. It's a miracle they are still alive."

Jackie has to deal with all these problems without her "devoted, loving partner," Field said. "He was only 28. It's just devastating."

She asked that people make whatever contribution they can make. They can call Field at 390-0846 or Kevin Friede at 390-6080.

"If they can't afford anything, they can pray for her," she said.