Support Joni Giles After Tragic Loss

Joni Giles is fierce little woman. She's a mother, grandmother and widow in very poor health. Her many friends describe her as a real character: outspoken, opinionated and blunt. Yep, she's feisty. But she has a soft side too. She adores animals and is devoted to people she loves, (with a really soft spot for her grandbabies). She taught herself to make diabetic food for one of her grandsons who has juvenile diabetes. During her brother Ronnie's illness, she drove from North Carolina to Virginia so he could make it to his medical appointments. She also worked for days on end helping her beloved childhood friend move across the country, and then, with a broken heart, stayed close by that friend's bedside as she lay dying.

She often held down two jobs at a time. Some of her jobs, (welder, truck driver, and ball bearing maker) weren't typical. But then, Joni was described by nobody as "typical".

A widow, Joni's no stranger to grief. At this point in life, she's lost everyone in her birth family; both parents, and all of her siblings.

But the latest, and most crushing blow was early morning on October 2, 2024. Her younger son, Damon, was accidently and tragically killed by a vehicle while riding his bike on Highway 74. And although Joni and Damon had a complicated relationship, he was her baby boy and their love for each other is eternal.

Joni Giles is a proud, independent woman. Retired, her limited, fixed income takes care of most of her needs, but any extra expenses are always a stretch. And funeral costs aren't usually included in peoples' monthly budgets. Joni finds it nearly impossible to ask for help. So, I’m asking for her.

Nothing can stop her grief, but her financial and mental stress can be eased with donations from kind, generous souls like you. Any money you can donate is appreciated beyond my ability to express it. And if you can’t donate, just send a prayer and a compassionate thought to Joni and then share this with your contacts who may be able to give. Thank you.