AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a heartfelt response to a devastating personal loss, an Augusta couple is channeling their grief into a mission to combat domestic violence. They are establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about this pressing issue.

This initiative comes nearly a year after the tragic death of their daughter, who was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a domestic dispute. The incident has profoundly affected the family and underscored the urgent need for action and awareness.

Chartara Courtney, a beloved member of the Augusta community and a 2000 graduate of Butler High School, met an untimely death in January at the age of 43. In her memory, her parents have decided to create The Chartara Foundation, aiming to honor her legacy through meaningful change.

As what would have been Courtney’s 44th birthday approaches, her parents are courageously sharing their story. They reflect on the heart-wrenching moment that altered their lives nearly a year ago, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.

On the week of what would be Courtney’s 44th birthday, her parents are speaking out nearly 365 days after learning the news that changed their lives forever. 

“When she (Vicki) received the call, I heard her scream. From that scream I could tell it was like a scream I never heard before,” said Reverend James Abraham, Courtney’s father.

Chartara moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in early 2024 after getting a promotion.

Her parents say she was a district manager for Waffle House.

“She worked for Waffle House for close to 20 years, and she moved to Charlotte after getting that promotion,” her mom said.

But on January 13th, deputies with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office in Charlotte were called to Courtney’s home and found her dead in the driveway.

Investigators said she was shot by her boyfriend, Willie Wimberly, who then took his own life on the scene following a domestic dispute.

Courtney’s mother, Vicki Abraham, calls it a parent’s worst nightmare.

“Worst day of my life,” said Abraham. “It’s been rough. It’s been hard, but because of our faith, that’s the only way that we’re able to stand.”

Just 3 months ago, we learned that another Augusta woman, Melissa Domingo, also died following a domestic dispute.

Her husband, Hajir Talebzadeh, shot her and her mother to death in a Best Buy parking lot, all while a 5-year-old child was present. 

The Abraham’s are now starting a foundation in their daughter’s memory, saying they want to help other victims before it’s too late.

“People who are in domestic violence situations usually feel like they’re alone. They don’t have anywhere to go, no one to turn to. So, we want to be that listening ear for them, and to share information that will help them to be able to be removed from such situations,” said Abraham. “We’re soliciting the community to step up, because it’s our daughter today…. but it could be your daughter tomorrow.”

They’ll be launching The Chartara Foundation at an event this Sunday, December 21st at 4 p.m at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown.

Special guests will be nationally renowned artist Zacardi Cortez, gospel music group The Dynamic Abraham Brothers, and NewsChannel 6’s Dee Griffin will be the keynote speaker.

Once they launch, the Abrahams plan to help teens, young adults, and adults who need help with online courses with education and information on how to find an outlet.

“We are going to have other educators and ourselves be able to do classes online. We want to be able to offer financial assistance to those trying to leave that type of relationship. Most importantly, we want to educate anyone wanting to join about how to avoid unhealthy relationships, knowing self-worth, and building up self-esteem.”

To find their website, click here.

Chartara Courtney’s 44th birthday would have been this Saturday, December 20th.