Helping an Exoneree See the Dreams He Waited Nearly 46 Years to Experience

"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten..." — Joel 2:25 (KJV)

On November 15, 2017, after spending 45 years, 10 months, and 3 days in prison for a crime he did not commit, my husband, Wilbert Jones, finally walked out of prison a free man.

After years of tireless work by Innocence & Justice Louisiana (formerly the Innocence Project of New Orleans), evidence of his innocence came to light, and Wilbert was finally released and eventually exonerated after nearly 46 years of wrongful imprisonment.

While the world had continued moving forward, Wilbert's life had stood still. Decades of family memories, opportunities, travel, careers, and simple everyday experiences had been stolen from him through a wrongful conviction. Yet through it all, he never lost his faith in God.

Many of you stood with Wilbert during his fight for justice, and we are deeply grateful! Now, we invite you into this next chapter of healing, restoration, and joy.

Recently, however, our world changed again.

Wilbert's ophthalmologist delivered devastating news: his glaucoma has progressed significantly, and he is losing his vision. We are now in a race against time and his remaining sight.

Together, we had begun making plans to visit places he had dreamed about for decades—places most of us take for granted. Now, those long-awaited hopes have taken on an entirely new sense of urgency.

That is why we are asking for your help.

We have created Wilbert's Vision Journey—a one-month journey to help him experience some of the places he has dreamed about for decades while he still has enough sight to truly see them.

Our journey will begin in California, where Wilbert hopes to visit Corriganville Park, the historic movie ranch where many of the classic Westerns he has loved throughout his life were filmed. As an avid cowboy and Western movie fan, this stop, along with the Cowboy Exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum, represents far more than sightseeing. It is the fulfillment of a lifelong wish that has lived in his heart for many years.

While in California, we also plan to worship together at a local church, giving thanks to God for carrying us through years of injustice and for every blessing that still lies ahead.

From there, we will travel to San Francisco, where Wilbert hopes to return to the neighborhood that he expected to begin a new chapter of his life before his wrongful incarceration changed everything. This visit is not about looking back with regret—it is about reclaiming a part of the future that was taken from him and finding peace in a place that has remained in his heart for over half a century.

Our journey will then take us to Colorado, where Wilbert longs to stand before the majesty of the Rocky Mountains—one of God's magnificent creations he has only imagined seeing for decades.

Next, we hope to spend several peaceful days in Hawaii, watching the ocean, enjoying the beauty of God's creation, and simply resting together after a lifetime marked by struggle.

Finally, we will end our journey in New York City, where Wilbert has always dreamed of seeing the towering skyscrapers with his own eyes.

Joining us on this journey will be our beloved seven-pound Chion, Misty, whose companionship has become a tremendous source of comfort, joy, and unconditional love to Wilbert.

Because Wilbert is currently the sole breadwinner for our family, we are seeking assistance not only with travel expenses but also with one month of basic household living expenses, including our mortgage, utilities, insurance, groceries, and other essential bills. This support will allow us to make this journey without returning home to an even greater financial burden.

Every donation—whether large or small—brings Wilbert one step closer to experiencing the beauty of God's creation while time permits. If you are unable to give, we would be deeply grateful if you would share this campaign and keep us in your prayers.

This journey began the day Wilbert's ophthalmologist told us that the glaucoma had progressed and that he was losing his vision.

Today, we are inviting you to help write the next chapter.

By supporting Wilbert's Vision Journey, you become more than a donor. You become part of a community determined to help a man, who waited nearly 46 years for freedom, experience the beauty of God's creation while he still can.

Together, we can help transform heartbreaking news into a journey of hope, healing, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Nearly 46 years were taken from Wilbert. We cannot give those years back—but together, we can help fill the days ahead with beauty, hope, and memories that no disease can ever take away.

Thank you for believing in hope, restoration, and second chances.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary Jean Jones

Wife of Wilbert Jones