“I still can’t believe my mom is gone.”
Those were the words of 17-year-old Omarion Bones who found his mother, Monica Fitzpatrick, unresponsive the day after Christmas.
“I talked to my momma around 3 a.m. and asked her what she was about to do,” said Omarion. “She told me that she was about to go to bed. I was the last one to talk to her.”
Omarion, who is a senior at Stuttgart High School, never imagined that would be the last time he would speak to his mother.
Later that morning Omarion went to wake his mother up.
“She wouldn’t wake up,” he said.
Monica was pronounced dead inside her home on 8th Street in Stuttgart Thursday morning.
Her other son, 15-year-old Damerius Fitzpatrick, had spent Christmas day with his mother.
“We laughed and talked all day and then I left with my friends,” said Damerius. “I didn’t know she had passed away until I came home the next day.”
While first responders worked the scene, word about Monica’s death spread quickly through the community. When her best friend, Brittany Allen, found out the devastating news, she immediately broke down.
“I’m angry and I don’t understand,” said Brittany. “It broke my heart. I cried when I found out.”
Brittany adds the last two weeks leading up to her friend’s death were different.
“We spent a lot more time together than usual and I’m glad we did,” she said.
Monica’s unexpected death left a void in the lives of those who loved her.
“The hardest part to deal with is how her boys are doing,” said Brittany. “Her youngest son’s dad was killed so he has lost both parents. I’m worried about them, her mom and I am worried about my own self.”
The community’s concern for the boys was identical to Brittany’s.
Immediately friends and family came together to show emotional, physical and financial support.
Family member, Candace Amos of Stuttgart who resides out of state, created a GoFundMe, to help raise funds to aid the family.
“Donations will fund the memorial service first and the remaining funds will be stored in a savings account that has been created for Omarion and Damerius,” said Candace.
Andricka Hicks raised over $1,200 and states everything she has raised will be donated to the Monica Fitzpatrick Memorial.
“My mom cared about us and she made sure we were doing the right thing,” said Omarion. “She always wanted me to graduate and go to college and that’s what I will do.”
Both Omarion and Damerius have expressed their deepest gratitude and appreciation to those who have reached out to them.
“The community has shown lots of love,” said Omarion.
“My mom’s death was a lot to take in,” said Damerius. “Everyone is helping us with it day by day.”
Candance spoke graciously about the City of Stuttgart for all they have done so far for her family since the tragic news.
“Not only did Monica’s teenage sons lose their mother that morning but anyone who had encountered Monica this lifetime lost a twinkle that only she could put in your eye,” she said. “Our community is full of so many selfless individuals. The love and prayers are greatly appreciated.”
Monica’s sons expressed how they will always remember the good person their mom was and the love and support she always showed.
“I love and miss my momma,” said Omarion. “I still can’t believe she is gone.”
To donate to the Monica Fitzpatrick Memorial, click the GoFundMe link below.
Hi my name is Apostle Z. Webb, our church would like to help you with your graduation out of high school and help you with your prom. Please email me at [email protected] praying for you and your brother. I’m a graduate of Stuttgart high. I was putting something together to start helping the community and I know I want to start with you.