Hello, my name is Mark.

I am raising funds to honor my family — my mother and my brothers — by providing proper tombstones and memorial engravings that reflect who they truly were.

I was incarcerated for 22 years, 11 months, and 21 days, and during that time I lost my family members. I did not get the chance to be there, to say goodbye, or to grieve properly. That pain stayed with me. Now that I am home and rebuilding my life, one of the most important things on my heart is to finally honor them with dignity, respect, and love.

Before my release on March 6, 2025, I transferred to a halfway house. Instead of focusing only on working for pay, I volunteered and committed myself to recovery, growth, and service. I became a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist so I could help others build healthy, stable lives.

Before I was officially released, I was hired by Prevention Links and began working at the Recovery Junction Center, where we meet people exactly where they are. I love helping people, and I give thanks to everyone who believed in me — especially Prevention Links and the organizations that gave me a second chance.

Honoring My Family’s Legacy

This fundraiser is about more than tombstones — it’s about honoring lives that mattered.

My Mother – Bernice Tompkins

My mother was a home care nurse, a caregiver by nature, and a woman with a beautiful voice. She sang opera, and one of her proudest moments was performing at NJPAC and singing with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. She cared for people through both her work and her music.

My Father – Thomas Tompkins Sr.

My father was a World War II veteran, an electronics teacher, and a Sergeant at the Hudson County Youth Corrections in Jersey City, NJ. He dedicated his life to service, education, and discipline. He does have a tombstone.

My Brother – Rodney Tompkins

Rodney was a barber, always dressed sharp, always clean, and he could really sing. He was buried with my father, but his name was never engraved on the tombstone. My main goal is to have Rodney’s name added so he is honored properly.

If funds allow, replacing the stone with a new combined headstone for both of them would be a blessing.

My Brother – Thomas Lee Tompkins Jr.

Thomas Jr. was a tailor, moved smoothly, and carried himself with quiet style and confidence. He deserves a proper memorial that reflects his life.

What the Funds Will Be Used For

• Tombstone for Bernice Tompkins

• Tombstone for Thomas Lee Tompkins Jr.

• Engraving to add Rodney Tompkins’ name to the existing stone

• Optional: a new combined headstone for Thomas Sr. & Rodney, if funding allows

• Cemetery and installation fees

Why This Matters

Due to incarceration, hardship, and life circumstances, my family never received the memorials they deserved. Now that I am working, serving others, and rebuilding my life the right way, I am asking for help to finally give them peace and dignity.

Any donation — no matter the amount — helps.

If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much.

Thank you for helping me honor my family.

— Mark Tompkins, CPRS