United Way fund set up for children of Beatrice Jones-Taylor
A fundraiser has been launched to support the teenage children of Beatrice Jones-Taylor, a 36-year-old mother of two who died Friday in a crash at the intersection of M-60 and M-66 in Mendon Township.
A fundraiser has been launched to support the teenage children of Beatrice Jones-Taylor, a 36-year-old mother of two who died Friday in a crash at the intersection of M-60 and M-66 in Mendon Township. A link to the fundraiser can be found here.
The St. Joseph County United Way has activated its Family Catastrophic Fund, with 100% of donations going directly to the children to cover immediate and long-term needs. The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority (SJCTA), Jones-Taylor’s employer, said in a statement online it was “deeply saddened to share the loss of a cherished member of our SJCTA family in a tragic accident,” adding that she “was more than a team member; they were a friend and valued part of our community.”
The Family Catastrophic Fund is being coordinated with Three Rivers High School’s cross country and track programs, where both teens are active athletes. Head coach Jason Muckel said the team community will partner with United Way to oversee the donations, and ensure the money goes directly to the children as needs arise.
“These are just great kids who were loved deeply by their mom,” Muckel said. “Our objective is to support them with foundational needs over the next year to 18 months — car insurance, clothes, basic food necessities — so they can continue to thrive and be successful.”
Muckel said the son, a senior, has run cross country and track throughout high school, while the daughter, a junior, has been on the track team for three years and joined cross country for the first time this season.
“They have family members caring for them, and our team community is also stepping up,” Muckel said. “The more we can promote this fund, the more we can support these kids financially.”
The crash occurred around 1:51 p.m. Friday when a county transportation van Jones-Taylor was driving failed to yield and was struck by an eastbound semi-truck, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors.
The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority, Jones-Taylor’s employer, declined to comment when reached Monday.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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