Rhoda White (Lee)

On 2/5/2024, my mother passed from sepsis & heart complications. She had fought nearly 21 years with CHF, A Fib, Pulmonary Hypertension, & a slew of other things.

In 2003, she had to close her in home daycare & was forbidden to ever work again. She was on SSI, SSDI, & Medicaid, so she had to deplete her retirement in 2003 to qualify.

She hated every bit of this; losing her business, not seeing her day care kids, losing financial independence, etc.

She made a will 12/2000, a few months after losing her mother. In that will, her main focus was to pay for her own funeral home/memorial expenses.

Due to federal/state boundaries for programs she relied on, & no life insurance, she didn't have enough to cover funeral home expenses nor a memorial service. Funeral home costs have been taken care of with the money in her account, you wonderful folks, & a family member.

I received enough to pay for an urn & most of the expenses for her memorial. I wanted to thank you folks so much for your help, or that would not have been possible. What's left is decor, food, flowers, & paper products for the memorial service. I imagine it will cost up to $300, but it may be less.

We're still planning a lot of this, but will keep you wonderful folks posted.

I'm disabled myself & only work part time. I've had reduced hours since the holidays; so facing my own struggles financially. I've been laid off all month but 2 days at reduced hours. After everything related to my mom's passing is taken care of, plus 2 specialist appointments, I'm hoping I'll be able to go back to a full time job. At the very least, wish me luck on that, as it's been a struggle of decades.

I don't need any help living expenses, as there are amazing local charities. Though, many unplanned bills/expenses did come up with my mom's passing.

If you feel so inclined to help the family, it would be very much appreciated. My mom wouldn't have wanted me to make such a request, but I know she'd understand.

Any amount would help. Working for a nonprofit for 15 years, I know the impact of small gifts. Thank you in advance.

God bless,

Deb