Mother of Waffle House shooting victim, DeEbony Groves, receives her daughter's college diploma [View all]

[DonViejo]

By Amanda Jackson, CNN

Updated 2:22 PM ET, Sun May 6, 2018


Shirl Baker received a posthumous degree from Belmont University in her daughter's honor on Saturday.


(CNN) - DeEbony Groves, 21, had dreams of walking across the stage and receiving her diploma in social work, which she had been working hard towards for several years. But on April 22, her life was cut short when a gunman entered the Waffle House where she was eating with friends.

On Saturday night, Belmont University in Nashville paid tribute to Groves before her mother, Shirl Baker, walked across the stage to accept her daughter's diploma on her behalf.

"Almost two weeks ago, our community suffered an unimaginable loss," said Robert Fisher, President of Belmont University. "While our hearts were broken, today we have the chance to celebrate DeEbony's life together."

Baker wasn't alone on the graduation stage. Her son, Di'Angelo, also was awarded his diploma on Saturday, a moment he was supposed to share with his sister. As Di'Angelo wiped tears from his eyes his mother consoled him. Both received standing ovations from the crowd.


Groves was scheduled to graduate along with her brother, who is seen crying as he prepares to walk across the stage.

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https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/06/us/deebony-groves-waffle-house-shooting-mother-diploma-trnd/index.html