Students Raise Over $10K for Widowed Custodian

According to KYTX-TV, a group of students in Bullard, Texas, recently presented their high school’s custodian with a check for more than US$10,000 to help cover his late wife’s funeral expenses.

After Bullard High School’s lead custodian, Nathaniel “Mr. Billy” Hawkins, lost his wife, Pastor Marva Hawkins, in April, students Evan Higginbotham and Spencer Corson created a GoFundMe page to raise the funds.

“He’s got five kids,” Higginbotham told KYTX. “Funerals aren’t the cheapest thing. So, we figured the best thing would be to give him some kind of relief on the money side of things.”

Higginbotham went on to call Hawkins a role model for the 900 students at the school.

“He associates with everyone. He’s full of positivity, always has a smile. He’s just one of a kind here at Bullard,” Higginbotham said. “There’s been days where I’ve just felt like I’m worth nothing, and [Mr. Billy says] ‘Hey, bubba, keep your head up, love you, brother.’ It is just the little things.”

At the check’s presentation, Hawkins hugged the students and commented, “I just appreciate the people giving, and not just the community but everybody—far off, here and there. It’s been a blessing. I want you to know I love you and appreciate you, and I thank you for what you’ve done. Praise God!”

“There’s still faith in humanity,” Higginbotham said.