News

Oak Harbor community gathers to remember twins killed in crash

By Deborah Horne, KIRO 7 News
By Deborah Horne, KIRO 7 News

OAK HARBOR, Wash. — The tears came easily as memories of 17-year-old Janeah and Janesah Goheen poured out from their former teacher and mentor who knew them as 'Nayah and 'Nessah. 

"If 'Nessah had woken up," said Christina Federighi, "she would have had been without her harmony when 'Nayah was already giving singing lessons to the angels."

Also remembering the girls was the pastor who officiated at their parents' wedding and faltered when remembering that the Goheens have buried three of their five daughters.

"And whatever happens through these girls' lives even though it was short," said Jim Cargill of Montana, "God needed them."

And there was music because singing was at the center of their lives.
Hundreds of people filled Oak Harbor High School gymnasium to say goodbye to the inseparable twins Saturday. They were headed out on Halloween when a man suspected of being impaired slammed into their vehicle.  Janeah died instantly.  Janesah, just 11 days later. 
"Giving them our love through hugs and just saying, I love you."
Their grieving mother's voice broke as she talked about the joy their lives gave and the family's deep faith.
"Today we know the girls are together singing and, as has already been mentioned, dancing in the presence of the love of our Father," said Debbie Goheen.  "Even though our hearts are missing them terribly, we are rejoicing with them as they are both truly home."
No one spoke about how the twins died, nor about the man accused of killing them. They talked only about the happiness with which they lived.

KIRO

Most Read