My hope is that everyone has a Bundy. Someone who knows no boundaries when it comes to showing up for those you love. Someone who holds your hand when you are at your worst, assuring you that "everything is still there even when the lights are off". Someone whose thoughtful gifts never fail to make even the worst day a little brighter.

 

This campaign is a plea for contributions to honor the woman who made my best friend the man he is today.

 

My name is Ealer Swartz. Nearly 2 decades ago I met my best friend “Bundy” in our hometown of Durham, NC. It wasn’t long after we became friends that I met his mother, Miss Rhonda. Rhonda and I instantly bonded over our fierce passion for animals and profound love for family. Rhonda’s pride and joy are her 3 children - Amanda [Mandy] Taylor, Jerry Taylor and my dear friend, William “Scottie” Bunn [AKA Bundy].

 

Their family never had it easy. Rhonda worked 2 jobs, leaving Bundy largely responsible for caring for his 2 younger siblings. Bundy had to grow up fast, missing out on a lot of his childhood. While his friends were going to the state fair or birthday parties, he was making dinner and putting his little brother and sister to bed.

 

Despite all the financial hardships she endured, Rhonda loved and excelled at being a mother. Once her children were out of the house, she poured all her motherly devotion into rescuing animals and then, her grandchildren.

Miss Rhonda is also a devout Christian.  She is a proud member of the West Durham Pentecostal.  

 

Sadly, Rhonda's diabetes became unmanageable and eventually would take her sight. She was also diagnosed with breast cancer which resulted in a double mastectomy. Next her heart and lungs started failing her, followed by her kidneys - inevitably what will take her life. Miss Rhonda now resides at the Hock Family Pavillion, a Duke Hospice Center.

 

The expense of Miss Rhonda’s on-going medical and personal care has put an exceptional financial strain on her children. Mandy is a single mother of 3, Jerry’s business took a significant hit due to COVID and a workplace injury and Bundy has a medical condition that limits his ability to work.

 

We need the money as soon as possible so I may begin coordinating the cremation plans and memorial to celebrate her life with Hudson Funeral Services in Durham, NC. Please help me alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses so her children may focus on grieving the loss of their mother.