My name is Paige and I’ve been a close friend of De’On Nelson’s (Sarff) since 1990. For those that don’t know De’On, she is easily one of the kindest people you could meet. She’s a true Daisy Duke, loyal to cutoffs and moccasins to this day. She’s truly just a beautiful person inside and out.

De’On has lived in her modest home for close to 14 years. It was purchased with the proceeds from her father’s life insurance policy in 2012. Her father had designated a life insurance policy be used for the purpose of providing lifelong housing stability for his daughter and grandchildren.

De’On, the older of two siblings, had survived a horrific car accident in which she sustained facial disfiguration and brain trauma. For this reason, her father placed the responsibility of carrying out his intentions on Shaun, her half-brother. At closing, Shaun convinced De’On to title her home in his name, for a variety of reasons. She trusted him completely and did so. He assured her that he would transfer the property title to her once her medical situation was under control.

As it turned out, the transfer of the property was never done... the title to her home remains in Shaun’s name. De’On had made numerous attempts to have a discussion about the title over the years. He literally would not engage... he would ignore her in person, change the subject on the phone, and ignore any and all texts regarding her property. He knew his sister well; she was hurt, but she NEVER expected this.

His intentions finally became clear this year when he had her served with 90-day notice to vacate papers. When she did not leave, he had her served with eviction papers. He is claiming that he allowed her to live there rent-free for 14 years, which simply is a lie.

He wants De’On, his 60-year-old disabled sister, and Vada, his 20-year-old vulnerable adult niece, evicted so he can sell her property. To be clear, he is attempting to claim the only inheritance De’On received from their father’s estate. Shaun did not share any of their father’s possessions, nor did he share the monies he received when he sold Dad’s home in Savage.

At the eviction hearing, she was given a delay because she filed a civil suit against Shaun. This has cost her quite a bit already... money she certainly did not have. As she prepares for her only chance to save her home, the costs associated with this are staggering. Not only is her brother trying to take her home, he is strangling her financially while doing it.

This situation is just wrong on so many levels, but the ongoing financial burden is taking its toll. Getting her legal bills down will go a long way toward reducing the incredible stress this has put her under. I can see and hear the toll this has taken on De’On. Vada also has been deeply affected by the uncertainty they’re facing. Del left this earth in peace, thinking that he had taken steps to prevent this exact thing from ever happening. Greed is so, so gross.

This GoFundMe account has been created to help with her ever-increasing legal fees, gas, and everyday living... your donations will be immensely helpful. De’On would be grateful for keeping her and Vada in your prayers. And if you could assist in getting this campaign visible, that would be so kind.

We will post an update as soon as it is known. Court is today.

Court was kind of discouraging, the judge has taken it under advisement and has 90 days to decide if Shaun can move forward with eviction or if the status quo will remain. They (Shaun) are requesting a 37K bond if they cannot evict.

UPDATE: The civil court judge denied the TRO...the temporary restraining order preventing Shaun from evicting all current occupants from her Ellendale property until the ownership dispute is settled...a heartbreaking decision. She is trying to find out if she can appeal this decision, but it's unlikely. The eviction case is set for November 4th. De'On can use all the prayers she can get. We will put more detailed information up...if you'd like to follow the case...74CV25708 and 74CV25788...at https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/CaseSearch.

This is so gut wrenching because this is EXACTLY what her dad wanted her protected from. Del knew how vulnerable De'On was due to her car accident. He did his absolute best to ensure she would always have a home for her and the kids. Now, the emotional, financial and mental upheaval is taking a huge toll on her health. Please share when possible and keep her in your prayers.