Jayla's Village

Let me start by saying…Never in all my life would I have believed my family would be creating this GoFundMe page…

So, let me push back the tears and clear my throat to begin to tell Jayla’s story.  Jayla is my beautiful and full of life thirteen-year-old granddaughter who, because of her radiant personality, I affectionately call “Sunshine”. 

Unfortunately, Jayla’s world changed tragically and drastically in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, when she learned that her mother, my only daughter and my heart Brittani V.S. Hollis, aged thirty-three, had been murdered in a domestic violence incident at the hands of her covertly lethal boyfriend who ultimately was found to suffer from mental illness.

It all began when Jayla woke to find that her mother, who she believed had taken a brief ride to the store the night before, had never returned home.  This led Jayla to contact a close family member who was able to track her mother’s phone. Upon reaching the car, the family member found Brittani along with her male counterpart unalive in her vehicle. This random trip to the store turned out to be the final trip that her mother Brittani would take.

According to statistics, it is estimated that approximately 140 deaths occur daily due to growing numbers of incidents perpetrated by irrational, violent aggressive partners. Moreover, domestic violence is a leading cause of homicide for women, with more women being killed by intimate partners than any other means. The presence of a firearm in domestic violence situations significantly increases the risk of homicide for women.

Undoubtedly, I never would have thought that my family would become a part of this grim statistic. Domestic violence is the disrespectful culprit that robbed my daughter of her life and Jayla of having the privilege and the right to have her mother present as she experiences several of life’s most memorable and heartfelt moments. Jayla’s mother will not be there to cheer her on as she graduates from High School, nor will her mother be there sitting at the kitchen table assisting Jayla with her decision to select a college that she desires to attend. Jayla’s mother will not be there when the time comes, for Jayla to buy her first car or house. Brittani will just not be there at all because of this dreaded, tragic event.

While my whole heart bleeds deeply for my beautiful granddaughter, my hope lies in those who will be a part of Jayla’s Village.

There is an old African proverb that declares “It takes a village to raise a child.” This proverb represents the collective efforts of a community of people including family, friends and/or strangers who join together to provide support, guidance and positive influences for those in need.

My family and I has fervently committed to the creation of Jayla’s Village as a means to invite those who understand the plight of so many children whose parent(s) have succumb to domestic violence and who now must navigate life without their loving parent. It is our heart’s desire that you will become a part of Jayla’s tribe; a part of the community who will join in supporting the dreams her mother Brittani held so dearly for Jayla’s future; part of Jayla’s community who will support her not just in the present but most importantly in the years to come when Jayla matriculates to college. While no one can ever fill the place that only Jayla’s mother could, we can be that tribe of people who can make the road ahead just a little easier for Jayla to travel.

My family and I would like to thank you in advance for your continued prayers, consideration and donations to the uplifting and support of Jayla.

Peace and Blessings!

Renee’ L. Hollis, Grandmother

Steven T. Hollis, Grandfather

Randy A. Vince Jr., Uncle

Osman S.A. Sharif, Uncle