Thomas Adams Memorial (for All Three of His Girls)

On July 4th the Shamrock Nation and community of Benton Harbor lost someone very special—Thomas Adams… a Benton Harbor community member, Shamrock Brother, friend, love, and most of all proud father! Thomas’ life was robbed from him, and many of us are angry over the circumstances of his death.

While this is most definitely a tragedy and we are all grieving, we must look past our grief and see what matters now. Thomas leaves behind his high school sweetheart, Janiya Wilson, and two beautiful baby girls. The goal of this GoFundMe focuses on raising funds solely for their future needs and expenses.

Thomas was an extraordinary person! He had a heart of gold and a smile a mile wide! He was extremely intelligent, very athletic, tons of fun, patient, kind, compassionate, and loyal to everyone he cared for, whether you were one of his best friends, a teammate, or his teacher! He grew fiercely loyal and most responsible when he became a father—providing for ALL his family’s needs without a single complaint. They were his entire world!

He recently discovered he was going to be a father for the second time, and together with Janiya, decided that they would name their baby girl “Tommy” (Tommy Girl!)—very befitting considering the circumstances we are all witnessing today!


Nothing can compare to the love and care that Thomas gave his family. This GofundMe will pick up where Thomas unknowingly and unintentionally left off. He loved to provide for his family and see his girls thrive— all three of them: Janiya, Teagan, and Tommy. There have been many requests to assist in this endeavor. 100% of the funds raised from this page will be used to alleviate the financial burden left suddenly at Janiya’s feet. It will provide support to her, but most importantly to their two children.

Thomas provided more than just basic needs for his family, he wanted his girls to have a passion, laugh, play, and learn. Rest assured that anything raised above the goal will remain with Janiya and Thomas’ two children. A trust will be set up for the girls, however Janiya must first provide for their needs. Given this, the entire amount raised will be distributed realistically, giving Janiya time to find employment, qualified childcare, etc. Please remember that this won’t happen overnight and will be difficult given the pandemic that we are currently experiencing. However, if our goal is surpassed and all basic needs have been met, any excess funds raised will be split between his two children and placed in a trust, set up and protected by a lawyer with experience in this area.

We realize that the amount set as a goal for this campaign runs significantly short of what is truly needed and does not account for significant future costs (extracurricular activities, education expenses, etc.), however starting small and building from that is the entire purpose. There is no doubt that Thomas’ parents and sisters will also play an invaluable role in helping with the girls, but we don’t want it to fall entirely on their shoulders either. They have lost a son and brother, and are also grieving an indescribable loss. Giving to this campaign will help all of Thomas’ family in some way.

The future of these two girls rests in our hands. They are a part of our community. Please give what you can, when you can. Thomas didn’t let us down…please don’t let him down. Your support is needed now.