Dear Editor,

For all family and friends who attended Miss Verna’s (Mae Bertrand Russell) memorial and funeral we offer a sincere thank you. It is heartwarming to see how loved she was in the community she so loved.

However, we also must apologize as we have recently been made aware that contributions were possibly collected or possibly directly given to members of the family who were not financially responsible for her final expenses. To this date we have only received one contribution given directly to us. It was the intent that all funds received would be used for final expenses, specifically, but not limited to, her headstone as we felt it would be the most fitting use of the donations and a public reminder of the love and generosity of friends and family.

There is a possibility that all other funds received throughout the day and evening were either collected by or directly given to persons posing as financially responsible for her burial. It is also possible our family was severely misrepresented by two individuals who have no legal financial liability for any portion of the final expenses, which can be proven by legal documentation.

We request to all who loved Verna please keep an open mind and realize there are two sides to every story. Our family is requesting assistance from anyone who attended Miss Verna’s service whether they made a donation or not. If you made a donation for her final expenses or were directed to give a donation to a specific family member, we are requesting your help. If you were present and placed an envelope in the donation jar or saw donations being collected from the jar by any person, we are requesting your assistance. We request you contact Detective Stanley Washington at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office (337) 363 -2161 with any information you may have. Again we apologize that Miss Verna’s funds were possibly not used as you, her family and friends, had intended due to the possibility of misdeeds done by other family members.

Thank you,

From her son,

Randel Wortham

Missouri