Avery Mercedes Welborn Tapia Memorial Bench fund
Donation protected
On November 15, 2022, a devastating tragedy occurred when Jennifer's only daughter, Avery Mercedes Welborn Tapia, was tragically struck by a train running through Memorial Park. There were no warning signs to alert her of the impending danger. In honor of Averys memory, we are looking to raise funds to get a Memorial bench put in at Memorial Park in Houston, TX, this would be a permanent fixture honoring her life and legacy.
Our goal is to not only provide a bench but to raise awareness of this tragic accident that could have been prevented. The funds would cover the cost for memorial bench at Memorial Park. Any excess funds would be used to for Memorial headstone at the Forest Park Westheimer Cemetary in Houston, TX.
According to Operation Lifesaver, approximately 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured each year due to rail-related incidents (Operation Lifesaver Inc., 2021). Source In 2022 Texas led the nation in railroad accidents in fatalities. Harris county also lead the state. So let that sink in, in Houston TX we have the most railroad collision and fatalities in the entire United States of America.
Memorial Park is a Houston staple, I am a native and have visited this park for over 20 year, and I had no idea that an active railroad ran right through the park. More than 10,000 people visit Memorial Park daily. Source
Avery and her mother had been visiting this park since she was a baby. Avery even had journal entries about going to the park as a younger child.
This was a fatality that could have been prevented.
I know that the Lord will provide sovereign justice, and I will continue to advocate for Avery and railroad safety. If this can save one life, it's worth it. Averys life mattered. No child should become a statistic.
In honoring of Averys life please contribute share and educating others about railway safety.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF AVERY MERCEDES WELBORN
Avery Mercedes was the light of my world. But not simply because she was my daughter because she truly was light to all who were near she’s loving kind and the epitome of a Leo she loved fiercely and was a protector and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in my entire life. She had away, not only with her family, but with friends and acquaintances, to make them feel comfortable to make them take down their guard, and to truly be seen and not feel judged. Avery was a safe space for people. I am ever so thankful and grateful that I had 17 years to be her mother and those years she taught me so much more than I could’ve ever taught her. She brought my world to life and brought so much love that I never knew that I needed her. She was a loving, compassionate daughter, and a fierce, admired big sister cousin, and a true and best friend so many. I want Avery’s love and passion for zest in the world for all those she cared about animals in life she lived unapologetically and love, and I strive to live every day for her and her honor I love you my little love until we meet again. It will never be soon enough…
Bible phrase that really helps me is. “Jesus Wept”
He knows our pain and sees all of our tears. This life is temporary eternal is forever. I can’t wait to reunion, one day closer.
Organizer
Jessica T
Organizer
Houston, TX