On May 27, 2025, it will be one year since my mother, Erica Gibbs-Easy, passed away. I have done everything in my power to give her a proper farewell, but after exhausting all my resources, this is my final option.

Since arriving in Jamaica on May 28, 2024, I have fought tirelessly to lay my mother to rest. However, due to legal delays, interference from an estranged husband, and family members who have prioritized greed over closure, I have been blocked at every turn. They manipulated the legal system to drag out the post-mortem arrangements, making it impossible for me to move forward. The funeral home, under their influence, refused to speak with me and instead entertained plans to ship my mother’s body abroad for a burial I never agreed to. They were dazzled by promises of a military-style funeral and a 21-gun salute, but as time passed, it became clear that these individuals had neither the sincerity nor the financial means to follow through.

Now, nearly a year later, and after thousands of dollars in accumulating storage fees, the funeral home is finally willing to speak with me. I was prepared to honor my mother’s final wishes: a cremation and a simple local ceremony. But after almost a year in Jamaica, my savings have been drained by legal fees, survival costs, and constant setbacks. Despite this struggle, I am building a home here and working toward the business my mother and I once dreamed of starting together. However, I now need help to clear the growing funeral home debt, a burden created by the reckless actions of others.

None of the funds raised will go to the individuals responsible for these delays. Every cent will go directly toward paying the funeral home so that I can finally lay my mother to rest. The Jamaican government will not cover her burial because she was a U.S. veteran, and while the U.S. government offers up to $2,000 in assistance, those funds are only available after a death certificate is issued. Her death has yet to be registered because of the delays caused by others. The funeral home has assured me that they will handle the registration process, but even then, it could take months before a death certificate is issued. I cannot wait any longer.

The events of the past year have been so unbelievable that if I hadn’t lived it myself, I wouldn’t believe it. Everything I’ve experienced has prompted me to write a book about this journey, detailing every shocking twist and turn. I plan to release the book this summer with all the details of this horrific life tragedy.

I am asking for help from friends who knew and loved her, family members who have supported me through this, and anyone who feels moved to help me bring my mother peace. Please donate if you can, any amount helps. Thank you.