Young brothers killed in crash on their way to church attended North Wilkesboro Elementary

A Wilkes County mother is mourning the loss of her two young sons, 10-year-old Noah and 9-year-old Elijah, who were killed in a car crash on Sunday while heading to church.The boys were students at North Wilkesboro Elementary School. The school community is mourning their loss. "Elijah and Noah were bright members of the North Wilkesboro Elementary School family,” a statement read in part. “They brought joy to our staff, teachers, and their friends every day,” Dr. Lashaunda Plain-Mamon, the school’s principal, said. Plain-Mamon shared more about both boys and how loving they both were to other students and teachers. "Noah had a very kind spirit and was always willing to share and help others. Elijah was funny, enjoyed sharing facts, and deeply cared for those he loved. Though their time here was far too short, their memories will remain in the hearts of all who knew them. This is an unimaginable loss for the teachers, staff, students, and our entire school community. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."Plain-Mamon said counseling and student support services are available daily for students and staff.The crash occurred on Sheffield Road just outside of Mocksville in Davie County. Noah died at the scene, and Elijah passed away later that night at the hospital.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking hereTheir mother, Paola Antonetti, spoke with WXII 12 News while holding their favorite plush toys tightly as she shared memories of the boys who were her world.“I just want to hug my babies. I just want to love my babies,” Antonetti said.She described Noah as a kind and caring child who always looked out for others.“There’s not one person that they can say that Noah was never nice to them, cared for them. He would open the door for you if something happened in school, he would make sure that everything’s okay. He would pray for me every night,” Antonetti said.She also shared memories of Elijah, who she said was protective and dreamed of becoming a police officer.“Elijah, he would protect you and he would love you. And he would make sure, like, if someone said something to you that he didn’t like, he would try his best to fix it. He did not care,” Antonetti said.Antonetti said she is trying her best to stay strong and is leaning on her family and faith.“They were only 10 and 9. They had a whole life ahead of them. I shouldn’t have to bury my children. I shouldn’t have to,” Antonetti said.A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the cost of the boys’ funeral. You can contribute here.Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.