Over the weekend, my friend's mother, Jeri Mathews of Lebanon, Tennessee, was murdered. There is no easy way to write those words, and there is no way to fully express the heartbreak her family is experiencing right now. Jeri's children are now facing the unimaginable task of planning a funeral, traveling to Tennessee, handling her affairs, and trying to make sense of a tragedy that never should have happened. What should have been time spent helping their mother begin a new chapter has instead become a nightmare no family should ever have to endure.

In the days before her death, Jeri was living in fear and trying to navigate an increasingly dangerous situation. She had made the decision to leave. She was actively packing a U-Haul and preparing to start over when her life was taken. She was not staying. She was leaving. She had plans, hope, and a future ahead of her, and those plans were stolen from her in an act of violence. Despite efforts to get help, her life was tragically cut short.

This fundraiser is being organized to help her family with funeral and memorial expenses, travel costs, lodging, and the many unexpected expenses that arise after a sudden and violent loss. Any remaining funds will be used to assist the family with expenses related to settling Jeri's affairs and obtaining answers surrounding the events that led to her death. Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden on Jeri's family as they focus on grieving, honoring her memory, and supporting one another through the difficult days ahead. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Jeri's family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your kindness, support, and compassion.

This fundraiser is being organized on behalf of Jeri Mathews' family by a friend of her daughter.