Sending John Wilson, Jr. home one last time.
Donation protected
Our community has lost an advocate, a friend, father and grandfather. We are heartbroken to inform you of the passing of John Wilson, Jr.
John Wilson passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019. Sadly, John's second son Travis passed away just two days before John. The family is in shock and devastated.
John was a proud Black Deaf man who spent 25 years fighting to return to his family from prison. John knew he would be denied parole if he refused to express remorse; and for years, his parole was denied because he said he could not say that he had done a crime he did not do. HEARD advocates fought alongside him for 12 of those 25 years. In September 2018, after the community stepped up to support John's parole petition, the US Parole Commission finally granted John parole. They granted parole even though John maintained his innocence. On March 6, 2019, HEARD advocates were at the prison with his daughter to pick him up and welcome him home. We are so thankful that John had an opportunity to spend his final months with his children, grandchildren, friends and advocates.
A private funeral and burial will be held for John's family, loved ones and long-time advocates. A public memorial service or celebration of life & legacy will be announced at a later date.
HEARD helped raise funds for John's homecoming in November 2018. We will move the remainder of those funds to this homegoing services fundraiser as we say one final goodbye to a loyal father and friend. John's family is still in need of financial support to help with services. Any amount you can offer would be so appreciated.
Please take some time to share your thoughts & love for John Wilson. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
[ photo of John's daughter Fria and her three children visiting John Wilson in prison recently. These trips were made possible with the support of HEARD. John is wearing a khaki prison uniform with his daughter Fria and her children ranging from preteen to toddler. They are all smiling big]
John Wilson passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019. Sadly, John's second son Travis passed away just two days before John. The family is in shock and devastated.
John was a proud Black Deaf man who spent 25 years fighting to return to his family from prison. John knew he would be denied parole if he refused to express remorse; and for years, his parole was denied because he said he could not say that he had done a crime he did not do. HEARD advocates fought alongside him for 12 of those 25 years. In September 2018, after the community stepped up to support John's parole petition, the US Parole Commission finally granted John parole. They granted parole even though John maintained his innocence. On March 6, 2019, HEARD advocates were at the prison with his daughter to pick him up and welcome him home. We are so thankful that John had an opportunity to spend his final months with his children, grandchildren, friends and advocates.
A private funeral and burial will be held for John's family, loved ones and long-time advocates. A public memorial service or celebration of life & legacy will be announced at a later date.
HEARD helped raise funds for John's homecoming in November 2018. We will move the remainder of those funds to this homegoing services fundraiser as we say one final goodbye to a loyal father and friend. John's family is still in need of financial support to help with services. Any amount you can offer would be so appreciated.
Please take some time to share your thoughts & love for John Wilson. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
[ photo of John's daughter Fria and her three children visiting John Wilson in prison recently. These trips were made possible with the support of HEARD. John is wearing a khaki prison uniform with his daughter Fria and her children ranging from preteen to toddler. They are all smiling big]
[image of a sweatshirt john wilson decorated with messages to mark and honor his homecoming on March 6, 2019. john holds the right shoulder so you can read the message: fighter of my own life]
[image of the back of john wilson's sweatshirt with his handwriting on it that says: " 1994-2019 I was locked up for 25 years I cant be crying Im still strong and still innocent of this charge." He wrote the name of all of the prisons he was held in since 1994]
[john's first meal out of prison. he is seated next to his daughter fria and they are smiling from ear to ear. john is in the middle of signing HAAAAPPPY!!!]
[image of john wilson with his grandchild (toddler) at a restaurant. they are in matching clothes with the child wearing a hat that says best kid ever and john wearing a hat that says best dad ever]
[Fria with her father took a selfie inn the street of DC, their home. They are smiling and content.]
[john wilson with Talila "TL" Lewis his long time friend and advocate. TL is a HEARD volunteer who worked to free john for 12 years. this was their first meeting when he returned home.]
[image of the back of john wilson's sweatshirt with his handwriting on it that says: " 1994-2019 I was locked up for 25 years I cant be crying Im still strong and still innocent of this charge." He wrote the name of all of the prisons he was held in since 1994][john's first meal out of prison. he is seated next to his daughter fria and they are smiling from ear to ear. john is in the middle of signing HAAAAPPPY!!!][image of john wilson with his grandchild (toddler) at a restaurant. they are in matching clothes with the child wearing a hat that says best kid ever and john wearing a hat that says best dad ever][Fria with her father took a selfie inn the street of DC, their home. They are smiling and content.][john wilson with Talila "TL" Lewis his long time friend and advocate. TL is a HEARD volunteer who worked to free john for 12 years. this was their first meeting when he returned home.]
Organizer and beneficiary
Talila Lewis
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Fria Wilson
Beneficiary