Days after Jody Bradley was convicted in the murder of Brendon Barker, Barker's family is celebrating his life.

His mother and stepfather, Janeen and Jimmy Johannsen, buried a handful of Barker's ashes in a garden they've started growing in his memory.

Brendon's sister, Ryan, and his girlfriend, Sarah Bradley, as well as many of his friends attended the memorial, which Janeen says still does not bring closure to her son's death.

"He was just a loving, generous spirit, and so we're placing him here as a living memorial to our son," says Janeen. "We wont be able to see him grow into a man, but we'll be able to watch as the seasons pass the trees grow and mature."

A banner with Barker's motto, "Life is a garden... Dig it," hangs over a water fountain in another garden the Johannsens planted for him.

Jody was convicted of second degree murder for shooting Barker in the head in Jody's Edinburg home January 6.

The jury is recommending he serve nine years behind bars for that conviction and another three for a second conviction.