ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Two years after a Rockford woman was killed by her boyfriend, friends and family members gather to remember her.

Denise Davis was strangled by James Agee who turned himself in shortly after her death. Friends, family and former co-workers gathered outside the house where she lived. They lit candles and released purple balloons in her honor. Melinda Williams says she wanted to do more in memory of her cousin.

"Seeing that it happened in October and this is domestic violence month, we want to just awareness to it and everyone that's around us to let them know that it's okay to speak out about domestic violence and not let Nicey's death be in vain," said Williams.

Agee was convicted and in May, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.