By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Special to the Reporter

Haleigh Danielle Green graduated from Shelby County High School just two months ago, a volleyball star who loved to spike the ball.

Volleyball had been her passion since seventh grade at Columbiana Middle School.

Lawson State University recognized her skill and awarded her a volleyball scholarship.

College bound with dreams of being a physical therapist, her promising life was cut short when her body was found in unincorporated Shelby County woods on July 11.

Haleigh was born Nov. 18, 1996, the beloved daughter of Shevelle Bivins and Joe Green.

She had three siblings, Kevin, Layla and Jospeh.

Haleigh was the second oldest of the four. She attended Shelby Elementary, Columbiana Middle and graduated from Shelby County High School, class of 2015.

She was an active member of Bethesda Apostolic Worship Center in Montevallo.

“Volleyball was her passion,” said her mother. “She loved to spike the ball. I always wanted her to learn to cook and she learned to cook her senior year at school. I was so proud of her. She was always cheerful, so caring and loving. Haleigh never met a stranger. She never bothered anyone. She was just a sweet, caring young lady with a never ending smile.”

On July 7, Haleigh was reported missing. The next day flyers were passed around Columbiana to notify people of the missing 18-year-old.

Two of Haleigh’s classmates, Randalyn Jones and Amber Kelley, organized a prayer circle at SCHS.

Her mother posted it on her Facebook page a couple of hours before the 5 p.m. prayer, and the response was overwhelming on such short notice.

“So many people were there on such short notice,” said Bivins. “When I went to the school, there was this huge banner with two pictures of Haleigh at the entrance. I was warmed in my heart to tears.”

Monday two women delivered two green bows to Bivins’s home, made by Susan Conn at Main Street Florist.

“I heard that green bows were popping up all over Columbiana in support of Haleigh,” said Bivins. “I went to Main Street Monday and there were all these women making bows. Susan came and gave me the biggest hug. The love and support of not just Shelby County but nationwide has been amazing. I never knew my daughter was so loved. It is amazing to see a community pull together and support us at this time. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department has also been wonderful. They promised us that they will track down every lead. The Bivins and Green families give thanks back to everyone for their support.”

The green bows in memory of Haleigh Green are popping up all over Columbiana and beyond.

To purchase a green bow, call Main Street Florist at (205) 669-3331, for $10 minimum donation.

“I have donated the ribbon and all the labor is volunteered,” said Conn. “Every dollar will go to the Bivins and Green families for funeral expenses and whatever else they need. We have raised over $10,000 to date.”

“I will always remember my daughter for her never ending smile,” said her mother.

Heaven is brighter today with Haleigh’s never ending smile.