GoFundMe

August 2, 2024

One of the most stressful things about sudden death is not only the death itself but the costs of laying your loved one to rest if they don’t have life insurance or any other means of paying the funeral expenses.

I’m trying my best to remain standing from a blow that has crushed my soul and now something else is knocking the wind out of me.

John didn’t renew the life insurance policy we had originally set up for him when he became an adult, so it lapsed. The responsibility of paying his funeral expenses now fell on me and Ronnie, and we didn’t have the money.

After our meeting with Mr. Caliman, I was afraid we wouldn’t be able to pay for John’s funeral. I’m not an elaborate or extra person whatsoever but I’m adamant about giving my son a proper homegoing because he deserves it. Not only that, but I also want him buried at Glen Rest where my mom is and where I will be as well. I want John with me.

While sitting in the passenger seat of my sister’s rental car as she drove us home from the meeting with Mr. Caliman, I pulled out the Funeral Purchase and Contract Note which contained the details of the funeral package we selected for John. My eyes zeroed in on the total cost at the bottom of the statement, $11,396.21. The thought in my head slipped right out of my mouth,

“Oh my God, we can’t raise that much money!’

And of course, the tears started to flow…yet again.

“We sure can, and we sure will,” Cindy replied back. “You, Ronnie and John have so many people who love you and they’ll come through.”

We have less than a week to raise over $11,000.00. We have six days. Just SIX days to raise over $11,000.00.

Although my faith has faltered over the past three days, I’m a firm believer in God. He has been a constant source of provision and strength to me ever since I accepted Jesus Christ into my life August 7, 1988, but this is one of the greatest tests I’ve ever faced, and I’m worried.

I pray He comes through for us.

I pray He comes through for John.

Please God. Please come through.

We returned home and Cindy researched various GoFundMe campaigns set up by other families who were facing unexpected losses. She discovered the most successful campaigns were written in a way that drew you into their story. Stories that made you feel their pain. Stories that made you act and want to help.

So, she sat down and began to compose the GoFundMe post and with a few tweaks here and there, posted it live, and the donations started pouring in from everywhere:

Dear family, friends, and compassionate givers,

It’s with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the sudden and tragic passing of John Wilks on July 28, 2024. We are seeking your support in helping lay John Wilks to rest – a beloved son, proud father, loyal brother, faithful friend and above all, a very kind soul. John was truly one of a kind. Tall in stature with a gentle nature, he had a heart of pure gold and dreamed of making a difference in this world through acts of kindness and service.

His sudden passing has left an immeasurable and deep void in our hearts that can never be filled or replaced. Beyond the emotional toll of his unexpected passing, the financial burden of funeral expenses is overwhelming. As the family tries to get through this difficult loss, assistance is needed to alleviate some of the stress by helping to cover the expenses of his funeral and burial.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your network. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will go directly towards covering the cost of John’s funeral, burial, and other related expense to give John the respectful and loving farewell that he deserves. This support will also allow the family to focus on remembering John and his beautiful soul, while helping bring a measure of peace of mind they so desperately need during this time.

Together, we can help lay John to rest.

With sincere gratitude,

Thank you!