Ja'Meria Studivent is remembered this week as a “bright young lady” with “charisma” and a “big personality.”
Studivent, a 2025 graduate of Pierce County High School, was murdered in Douglas Thursday morning, August 7.
Life celebration services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 16, from the First Born Church of the Living God in Way- Prince “PJ” Thomas, 18, of Douglas, has been charged in Studivent’s death. He has been charged with felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, teachers and friends are left to cope with the tragedy.
PCHS math teacher Diane Griffis remembers Studivent as a “very bright young lady”.
Griffis taught Studivent in both her sophomore and senior years and Griffis said she and Ja’Meria had a connection.
Griffis said they bonded over math.
“She wanted to sit by my desk. She loved making As in math. She never shied away from a Studivent challenging math problem. She had to show me that she could do it. She was a very bright young lady. She was always asking me “Mrs. Griffis, Why?”,” about everything,” Griffis said.
She said Studivent often came to her to vent about whatever problems she had that day.
“Sometimes, she would be waiting by my door to discuss whatever it might be,” she said.
With tears flowing, Griffis relates that Studivent had a life changing experience when she was saved and baptized at her church.
“I had to watch the entire service, but first she had it where she was dunked under the water. As we are watching the service, her face is beaming with joy. She was over the moon, talking about how different and real it felt to have Jesus number 1. She loved singing the songs and praising the Lord,” Griffis said smiling at the memory.
“Ja’Meria has touched my heart so deeply. I treasure all the talks we had together. I can only imagine her skipping, running, singing and dancing down the streets of gold in heaven. I am crying as I remember the day that I looked her in the eyes and simply said, “I love you Ja’Meria.” She said it back, but her smile told me without her words that she loved me too. Keep singing and dancing Ja’Meria, and I will join you one day!” Griffis said.
Griffis’ co-workers and Studivent’s teachers echoed her remarks.
“She had a charismatic air that brought everything around her to life,” recalls Brett Brooker. Brooker taught Studivent personal finance and economics.
Berry Henderson taught Studivent in senior English.
“Ja’Meria had a big personality and loved whom she loved. Whether she knew or not, there were times she'd ask about my day and help set me at ease,” said Henderson. She was someone who was easy to laugh and someone who drank up life.”
