Funeral Expenses for Yvonne Adcock

Yvonne Adock 11/8/1967 to 12/5/2014

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Many lost a good friend last Friday.

Yvonne Adcock was someone I met while documenting street prostitution on S. Robinson Ave. in south Oklahoma City.

I first met Yvonne in 2001. She was very much a street hardened savvy woman who did her best to put up an emotionless front to hide her unimaginable pain.

Yvonne never knew the love of a mother. You see, her mother was her pimp and she sold Yvonne's virginity in 1979, at the age of 12, to a truck driver. 

The abuse continued for several more years until Yvonne ran away. But she didn't run far. She had been numbing the pain of being a child prostitute by using every manner of drug she could find.

She spent most of her life being rejected by those who should have loved her unconditionally and being used by men who wanted nothing more than 10 minutes in the back seat of their car.

Against all odds she pulled herself off the streets and away from addiction around 2004. She successfully graduated from both business school and beauty college.

Unable to find anyone that would employ a former drug addict, prostitute who spent time in prison, she started her own salon - A Brand New You.

But she was unprepared for the additional burdens of a 'straight life' and she soon lost it all.

She disappeared for a time. But reemerged a stronger and more determined woman.

She reunited with the daughter she had long ago placed for adoption with a loving family friend. Yvonne married and settled down to a simpler life in Coalgate, Oklahoma.

Yvonne quickly became the face of human trafficking in Oklahoma. And while under the wing of the Salvation Army she spoke to audiences both large and small.

She shared her story in hopes it would educate and empower those who would listen. And listen they did....

Yvonne was contacted almost daily by perfect strangers from around the world. And I call them "perfect" because that's exactly how she saw everyone despite their flaws.

Yvonne's past though, and the stories of abuse others shared, continued to burden her... With the news of newly discovered brain tumors it simply became too much.

Yvonne made the decision to end her life the way she lived it... on her own terms.

Yvonne's biggest fear was that she would "die a nothing."

I truly hope as she left this Earth she was comforted with the fact she was the opposite of a nothing. 

Yvonne refused to be defined as a victim. She was a fighter. 

Yvonne, you did not die a nothing... You lived, despite a life of obstacles, abuse and abandonment. And, through it all you never lost your faith nor diminished your compassion for others in need.

You did not die a nothing.... You gave hope to so many with your unapologetic testimony.

You did not die a nothing.... Your wit and wisdom and sass made you an unforgettable friend to everyone you met.

Yvonne, you did not die a nothing.

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Yvonne touched many lives with her story and has been an unwavering advocate to educate the public on the horror that is human trafficking.

Yvonne's death has placed a financial burden upon her husband and adult daughter.

If you are so moved, we are asking that you help the family defray the costs of cremation.

Every dollar helps and goes directly to cover her funeral costs.

Thank you.