Tulsa Mother Remembering Daughter's Spirit After Being Run Over

<p>A mother says she wants people to remember her daughter for her spirit, not the way she died.</p>

Monday, September 12th 2016, 6:09 pm

By: News On 6


A mother says she wants people to remember her daughter for her spirit, not the way she died.

Brianna Dean died after her friend’s ex-girlfriend ran her over.

The suspect, Brittany Payne Wright, is at the Tulsa County jail, charged with first-degree murder. Police say she ran over Dean on purpose.

9/9/2016 Related Story: Woman Accused Of Running Over Another Charged With Murder

Dean's mother said she'll make sure her daughter’s children know just how much their mother loved them.

Sorting through pictures, Sherri Peetoom realizes the pain of her daughter’s death is far from over.

"I never thought they would have to grow up without their mom. The little baby, she's never gonna know what her mama smelled like, felt like," she said.

Dean’s children are 2 years old and 10 months old. Family members said both girls share their mother’s smile and spunk.

The pictures of happier times help the family cope.

Dean died just a little more than a week ago at a midtown apartment complex. Police say a woman drove a car right into her and Dean died at the hospital.

"There wasn't one scratch on her face, her face was beautiful, you could tell there were a lot of broken bones - when I saw her face, I knew she was okay," Peetoom said.

Growing up, Peetoom said Dean played sports, cheered, and even performed at church. As she got older, she set her sights on becoming a dental assistant.

The smiling face in the pictures is how her mother says everyone will remember her.

"Kids I haven't seen in 15 years are calling and, just, it just fills my heart to know she touched so many people," Dean’s mother said.

Although Peetoom wants justice, she's praying for the suspect.

Police say Wright’s 10-year-old daughter saw the attack.

"I can't imagine what her baby is going through,” Peetoom said. “I think everyone needs to pray for that little girl."

A memorial service for Dean is Saturday at Stroud Lake.

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