On the morning of Thursday, April 13, 2017, little Jacob Newman, age 6, suffered a tragic and unimaginable loss.  His beloved mother, Melissa and dear grandmother, Nila (known as “Nanny” to Jacob) were both killed in a horrible traffic accident on their drive back home to Virginia from a family vacation in Florida.  Melissa, a single mom, had saved up enough money to take her family on a Disney cruise and was so excited for her little guy to enjoy this magical experience.  In one terrible moment, Jacob not only witnessed the loss of his mom and Nanny on a big highway far from home, but he lost his primary caretakers.  The world will never be the same for this little boy with an unforgettable smile and full of life and energy like his mom.

 

Melissa was truly one of a kind.  Her warm smile and great laughter lit up any room she was in and her energy and excitement were contagious.  She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and always went out of her way for them.  She was one of the kindest, most thoughtful, generous, selfless and compassionate people you could ever meet.  She took care of everyone else before herself.  Melissa worked hard to provide for her son, the love of her life.  She supported and continued to love and care for her step-children even after her divorce from their father.  She volunteered regularly with Jacob’s school and was known as one of the class moms.  She volunteered every Sunday at her church and was involved in many activities to support the community.  How she had the energy to do all of these things is anyone’s guess.

 

Melissa worked as an HR Manager at FEMA Headquarters in Washington, DC, and was always on call 24/7 responding to requests and inquiries from her customers.  She was known as one of the hardest working people at FEMA.  But more than that, her FEMA family also came to know her for what her family and friends already knew—that she would go out of her way to help anyone in need and to treat her colleagues with warmth and friendship. 

 

Everything Melissa and Nanny did was for Jacob and his future.  He was truly their heart and soul and the three of them were inseparable and like three peas in a pod.  They lived together in a townhouse in Woodbridge, VA and saved up money over the years and recently bought their dream home that they were supposed to move into next month.  Melissa was excited to move into a house with a big backyard for her little boy to run around in and to have a house where she could invite all of her friends and family to.  Melissa and Nila’s lives were cut way too short and words cannot express how much they will be missed by Jacob, their families, friends, and co-workers.

 

This campaign is to raise funds to support Jacob's day to day needs and expenses until permanent arrangements are made and to help establish a long-term college fund.  Anyone who knew Melissa and/or Nila knew that Jacob was the center of their world.  They were extremely loving and devoted to him.  While this fund in no way can substitute all that Jacob has lost, our hope is that it will provide Jacob with some sort of stability during this extremely difficult time and help prepare him for a future without his mom and Nanny.



My name is Krishawn Lovelace, I have been Melissa's best friend for over 26 years and I know that Jacob was everything to Melissa and Nila. I have set up this account on behalf of Jacob in coordination with his family. I will be withdrawing the funds raised from GoFundMe into a savings account and will be providing the funds to Jacob's family to help take care of his immediate needs. We are so greatful for all of your donations and prayers for Jacob and the family!