(RALEIGH) -- Jason Williford starts his first full day of a life sentence at Central Prison in Raleigh.  A jury deliberated life in prison or the death penalty for Williford after finding him guilty of first degree murder in the March 2010 rape and beating death of State School Board member Kathy Taft of Greenville.

Prior to sentencing on Thursday, the court heard from Taft's four children. An emotional Jonathan Taft addressed Jason Williford directly.

"As much anger and hatred that I have in my heart towards you and what you did to my mother, I think it would be dishonorable to her to verbally attack you," said Taft.

Taft's children said they support the jury's decision, which spared Williford from the death penalty, saying they are relieved he will never be able to to hurt anyone else.