Vessie Williams

Hello, my name is Vessie Williams. I am a proud retired United States Navy veteran with 20 years of honorable service, including service during Desert Storm. After retiring from the Navy, I continued my commitment to serving others as a Deputy Sheriff with the Portsmouth Police Department. Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to protecting and serving my country, my community, and, most importantly, my family. Of all my accomplishments, nothing has brought me greater pride or joy than being the mother of my three sons. Raising three boys as a single mother was never easy, but with God's grace, determination, and unconditional love, I never made excuses. I worked hard to make sure my children always had what they needed—and, whenever I could, some of the things they wanted as well. In the early 2000s, my second son, Joseph, was wrongfully convicted of a crime. Since that day, I have stood by him and supported his fight to prove his innocence. As his mother, I will never stop believing in him or fighting alongside him. That is simply what a mother's love does. Today, I am living on a fixed retirement income. Like many retirees, Despite these financial pressures, I have continued doing everything I can to support my son. Unfortunately, I have very little help. Over the years, I have often opened my heart and extended a helping hand to family and others in need. Sadly, when I found myself needing support, that same kindness was not returned. Through it all, one person has always been there for me without expecting anything in return—my son Joseph. It is not easy for me to ask for help. In fact, creating this GoFundMe has taken a great deal of humility and faith. I am hoping to raise between $7,000 and $10,000 to help relieve our financial burden , while I continue supporting my family and maintaining my home. I am not asking anyone to carry my responsibilities. I will continue to stand beside my son because I believe in him, and because that is what a loving mother does. I am simply asking for a helping hand during a difficult season of our life. I am a God-fearing woman, and I firmly believe that God has carried me through every challenge I have faced. Scripture tells us that "faith without works is dead," and creating this fundraiser is my act of faith. I trust that the good I have tried to do throughout my life—through my military service, my law enforcement career, and my commitment to my family—has made a difference. Whether you are able to donate, share my story, or simply keep me and my family in your prayers, I am sincerely grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. May God richly bless you for your kindness, generosity, and compassion.