On May 7th, our family suffered an unimaginable loss when my oldest sister, Kelly Joyner, passed away suddenly after a severe asthma attack. She was not only my sister — she was my role model, my protector, and truly like a second mother to me. Kelly was the heart and backbone of our family. Her strength, love, and sacrifices touched not only her siblings but especially her children, who depended on her every single day.

Kelly leaves behind nine of her ten children, all now facing life without the mother who worked tirelessly to provide for them. Despite enduring heartbreaking losses of her own — including the passing of our mother this past January and the devastating loss of one of her own children — Kelly continued to pour everything she had into caring for others. She never complained. No matter what she was going through, she always showed up for the people she loved emotionally, physically, and financially.

Even in her final moments, Kelly continued giving to others through organ donation, allowing other families the gift of more time with their loved ones. That selflessness is who she was to the very end.

While Kelly was hospitalized, countless people came to see her and expressed how deeply they needed her in their lives. Today, it is Kelly’s children and family who need support.

We are humbly asking for help during this devastating time. Any donation — no matter how small — or even sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to our family. The funds raised will help cover memorial expenses, transportation and relocation costs for her children from Maryland to California, adoption fees, housing and basic living expenses, childcare needs, school supplies and clothing, grief counseling, and other unexpected costs that come with losing a sole parent so suddenly.

Our family is trying to navigate unimaginable grief while making sure Kelly’s children are cared for, supported, and surrounded by love and stability during this painful transition.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this campaign. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your prayers, kindness, support, and love during one of the hardest moments our family has ever faced.