Rockdale County mother turns heartbreak into mission against domestic violence

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The flowers on their graves have long since withered, but for Zona Inman, the pain of losing two children in one night has never faded. 

The 56-year-old Rockdale resident said it’s been nearly four years since her daughter, Shakeema Brown, 28, who was a Fulton County Sheriff’s deputy, and her son, Levoy Brown, 30, were ambushed and gunned down.

Shakeema’s husband, Jaquavia Jackson, 28, is serving a life sentence for the double murders that took place at their Covington, GA home on Oct. 27, 2021. Prosecutors said Jackson staged a home invasion at the house and then shot his wife multiple times to prevent her from discovering that he had fathered children with two other women. Levoy was visiting his sister on the night they were ambushed and killed. 

According to investigators, Jackson and Shakeema had been subpoenaed to appear in court on the morning after the murders. The hearing was to address paternity tests that Jackson had provided using someone else’s DNA. Prosecutors say Shakeema would have found out about her husband’s infidelity at the hearing.

Today, Inman still struggles with the weight of that night as she raises her 5-year-old grandson, who was only 17 months old when his mother and uncle were killed. 

 “A mother never expects to bury her children,” said Inman. “This is why it is painful for me when I think about how he (Jackson) went to the neighbor directly across the street from their house to see if their security cameras were working and especially when I think about how this unimaginable act of evil that took the lives of my two children was planned out by Jaquavia.” 

 Refusing to let the deaths of her son and daughter be in vain, Inman has turned her grief into action, partnering with organizations such as Project Renewal, sharing her story at community programs, participating in domestic violence awareness initiatives, and helping others through the grieving process. 

Inman’s journey also has been strengthened by the spiritual guidance she has received from her pastor, Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder of Voices of Faith Church, and his wife, First Lady Pamela Hawkins.

“The kind words that Bishop Hawkins said about my children at their homegoing celebration, I shall never forget. He’s always encouraging me. He and his wife are awesome,” Inman said.

Bishop Hawkins says he has been equally inspired by Inman’s determination. 

“Zona is the epitome of resilience, fortitude, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Bishop Hawkins.  “Everything she does, she’s working to leave a legacy for her children and her grandson. I’ve watched her raise him in a Godly way and I am proud of how she has embraced her pain and used it to fuel her love for her grandson and the church.”

Inman says support has come from many corners of her life — including Elder “Mother” Debra Higgins, whose warm smile and comforting hugs have helped her through the darkest days. She said that Higgins, who leads the church’s bereavement and sick-and-shut-in ministries, has been a steady source of strength.

But no one has stood by her more than her own mother, Esther Inman — her constant anchor through the storm. From heartfelt prayers to quietly helping cover bills, Esther has been there at every turn.

“She kept me alive,” Inman said, her voice breaking. “There were days I didn’t think I’d make it, but she reminded me that with God, I would. She prayed for me day after day and told me my grandson — her great-grandson — needed us. She said, ‘God will give us the strength to stand together as a family.’ She promised that this baby would bring joy and happiness — and he truly has. I have to thank my mother a million times for all she’s done.”

Lifted by her church family and the wider community, Inman continues to share her story publicly, hoping it will inspire and help others. She also expresses deep gratitude for local news outlets that have shined the spotlight on domestic violence and its impact on her family, and to Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and members of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and others for honoring her daughter’s memory.

Now, Inman is channeling her advocacy into a new project: establishing a foundation in honor of her daughter and son to help other victims of domestic violence find safety and support.

To help launch that effort, she is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 23, starting at noon at 2503 Ginger Leaf Drive in Conyers. The family-friendly event will feature a bounce house for children and dinner combos that include Jamaican favorites such as jerk chicken, as well as Southern classics like fried chicken and fried fish—paired with sides including macaroni and cheese, rice and peas, and green salad.

Sponsors for the event include Spice Island Jamaican Restaurant, Aunt Pat, Favaz Jamaican Cuisine, Jay’s Custom Cars, Best for Less Furniture, Engine Specialist Inc., Da Powerhouse, Gaza Muma Kitchen, and Bamba Flyer Design.

For pre-orders, donations, or for more information, call 470-893-4554.

Pictured: Zona Inman and her 5-year-old grandson mark a happy milestone as he receives 

his pre-K graduation certificate during the May 2025 ceremony at Voices of Faith Church.  Photo provided

Pictured: Shakeema Brown, 28, and her brother, Levoy Brown, 30, were victims of domestic violence. Shakeema’s husband, Jaquavia Jackson, 28, is serving a life sentence for the double murders on Oct. 27, 2021. Image provided