You were my strength, you were my ToRo.  I love you.  Maria (sister)

He filled my life with Laughter....Laurie (sister)

We had quite a few good times together.  I love you.  Uncle Mike

He had a heart of gold.  Nelson (Father)

Your Love touched many lives....Aunt Brenda

I love you like a brother.  May the force be with you.  I love you....Uncle Dave

Rarely in my life has such sadness filled my heart.  All day I've been thinking of Jeff and all the memories I have of him.  He was my friend and I'm going to miss seeing him and hearing his laugh.   There are givers and takers in this world.  Jeff was a giver.  He always made time to help people and he was always true to his friends.  I don't know why bad things happen to good people.  I don't understand why Jeff spent those years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Jeff's life had value and I will always cherish the friendship Jeff and I had. I'm proud he was my friend.  Jeff told me many times how much he loved you Shirley and his little girl.  Jeff faced a lot of hardships in his life but he was blessed to have you for his mother.  He knew he was blessed to have you too.  I'm sure Jeff is in heaven now because he made peace with the Lord.   He wouldn't come back even if he could cause his suffering is over and he is with Jesus.  Shirley, wherever you go or whatever you do, I'll never forget you or Jeff.   May God bless and keep you, Nick Sutton

Jeff's absence will be hard to take.   Of ALL the prisoners on death row Jeff was the one most invaluable to us.  Jeff did more than any inmate to raise the quality of life for those of us awaiting execution.   I'm not exaggerating Jeff's support multitude of activities we had were courteous of Jeff Dicks advocacy.  I'm sure you were the power behind the thrown so to speak, and this is bad news that Jeff is gone.   We have lost our premier advocate...there is no one else in here who can command the skills assets, abilities and resources that Jeff could.  Jeff would stand up to the prison officials about us.  Most inmates won't do that and those that would, the prison officials would find some way to neutralize them.    But they could not touch Jeff.

 Jeff was essentially immune from whatever pressure or tactic for one reason or another.  For example the guards couldn't retaliate when Jeff's advocacy displeased them because you would quickly discover it.  You and Jeff were quite a team. I remain in your service Richard Taylor

God blessed us all with you and Jeff for all these years and gave us the gift of friendship and loyalty to survive this weary path.  We know Jeff is looking down on us all and giving us the strength and courage to make it thought another day.  That was his way of life and he taught us to follow his lead.  We will forever miss our friend and brother.... Ron Cauthern

May God be with you Shirley and your family...may God speed Jeff to the light and enter him into Heaven.  I know there will be a bright star in the Heaven's tonight.    My heart is sad, Jeff was my dear friend.  God help us to deal with this terrible loss... Rest in peace our angel... Richard Austin

Jeff was my friend, my brother for over half his lifetime.  Your tragedy is truly mine.  Jeff will never be forgotten...Tim Morris

We in Canada are very sad over the death of your son Jeff in the Tennessee Death Row Prison.   I send you my heart felt condolesences and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am a member of CCADP - Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty.  We are very disappointed in the American Justice System and very sad at the state of affairs in the prisons in America.

 To show these people the wrong they have done, you should sue them. Jeff is now with the Lord and not suffering anymore and someday you will see him again.  I believe 100% in his innocence and I have viewed his web site quite often.  The one thing I am glad of is that he is no longer in their hands to abuse and ridicule.  What I have read of him gives me great respect for him and you.

"Free At Last” By Brenda Thomas

  "God saw that you were tired, So He took you by the hand   and said, " Son its time to rest now" Here in the Promised Land.   You spent your life on earth, helping those in need.  You taught them its ok to pray. You taught them to believe.   You didn't let the prison walls, Make you a bitter man.   You always thought of others, you lent a helping hand.  They couldn't break your spirit, although they often tried.  You fought for what you believed in, so others wouldn't be denied.

God chose a job for you, that most men did not want.  Your compassion let you reach the men, That the rest of the world  forgot.  You gave them hope and kindness.  You gave them strength and peace.  And without you to guide them, many would not see. But now its time for you to rest, you've earned your wings, my Son.  Your loved ones will join us here, when their time on earth is done."

Jeff will live in our hearts forever. His kind and thoughtful ways, his compassion for others, his golden heart that put others first regardless of his own needs, will never be forgotten.  I am proud of the way he handled life and the obstacles that were put in his way.  He didn’t become bitter or cold, he made the most of what life had dealt him.  I have always been   proud of you Jeff.  Now it's time for you to rest.    Love Always, Aunt Bren

       I can only be proud to have had such a wonderful Brother.  Reading these testimonies from the so-called, worst of the worst. Societies out casts and hardened death row prisoners. I know Jeff was not only a wonderful Brother to me but to all you guys on the row. Your words convey a deep love, admiration and a tremendous loss that we will not soon recover from.   Jeff sent this to me a long time ago and I just can't help but feel he wants me to pass it on to the brothers he left behind on TN death row.

 "Why God Created Brothers"
"When God created Brothers, He made close friends to share. Our secret hopes and dreams and the burdens that we bear.  When God created Brothers, he made warm hearts to care.   With gentle understanding and an insight that is rare. When God created Brothers he answered every prayer.  That asks for someone special who's love is always there!"
"Thanks for being A Terrific Brother!"

Thank you Jeff. You are always in my thoughts and forever in my heart. Fly Free Bird Fly, Always and Forever... Your little Brother, Trevor

________________________________________________________

Dear Shirley,  I just heard of Trevor's passing.  My heart aches.  Tears have welled up in my eyes and heart as I right this.  You have been through a lot  in the last few years, I think Renny Cushing, from who I found out about Trevor, said it best when he said "You and your family have known tragedy and challenges, and my heart goes out to you. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many, many who have been touched by your courage and your life."

Your family continues to reach out and effect lives.  Know that both you and Trevor touched an untold number of lives in recent years (including those like me whom you both have never met save through the net).  We are all lessened by his passing.  Everyone in our community for whom your family has done so much I think would join me in saying, if there is anything we can do for you please let us know, we mourn with you.  – Karl

What is Death?   You have gone from my sight --No longer will I see your smile  Or the light from your eyes --Hold your hand or kiss your lips -- Share magic conversations.   But you have not gone from my heart  --I can still feel your presence and  the moments we shared --have bound  our loves and lives -- together forever. You are a part of me and always will be.-- So although I cannot see you --You are with me -- closer than breathing --within my very being.   Written by Mary Nordkvelle   9.30am 9 June 2005

Greetings Angel,  I am still in shock after reading the terrible news. This is such a tragedy!  I can't believe that fate would do this to Shirley and her family... It is so unfair. Shirley is one of the most wonderful and dedicated prison activists and advocates that I know... She's helped so many prisoners and probably saved several lives. Why do these things happen??? Dear Shirley wherever you are, you are in my Prayers. May Trevor have a safe journey, I pray that he is reunited with Jeff in the spirit world, and that they
both watch over you, give you strength, keep you safe and help you heal one
day.  Respectfully, Brigitte

 

I heard yesterday about your son Trevor's death and I'm still shocked. I'm sure you've got better things to do right now than to be online but I wanted to remind you how loved and precious you are to many in this world. No word can aptly comfort a mother for the loss of her child and I keep you close to my heart always. I tried to call you at home today but I guess you are away right now. I pray that you'll find the strength and the energy to continue the wonderful work you have been doing in the world of the living. I think of you and your family. I send you all my love and please don't hesitate to  ask if you need anything.  Love  Sandrine

Shirley  I am here with you for Trevor as I was here with you for Jeff.  Do not despair. Life is not over; you still have your grandchildren and your mission.  There is a reason your boys are gone - they have had a special burden in their life’s, but it was for something good. They are not gone, their are just in a safer place and they will still send us their voices to be strong and fight for the suppressed

So even in your sadness, you will know that they will want you to feel the bigger perspective - of life.  Trevor took over when Jeff had to go and there will come more love ahead. These boys are the symbol of the good things for our lives and we will continue Take a break for now, Shirley, it is well deserved.  But Trevor tells me we are to go on and never give up. Love

Sissel

Shirley,  Whatever I say is not going to be right, so I'm really sorry.  You have lost far too much and there's not a person alive who could understand what you're going through.  Two boys is too much - far too much.  It makes you wonder whether there's a God, and if there is, what the hell is he playing at? No-one can say that they can blame you for feeling the way you do - if anyone's got the right, you do.  Shirley, whatever happens in your life - you made a difference to a lot of people - and you started the movement that will continue to make a lot of difference in people's lives. 

 You may have not saved your boys - but you've saved other mother's sons.  Your boys - you will see them again - it might not feel like it right now - but you are a stupendous human being - and so were your boys.  I pray that some day you'll be back on here displaying that amazing fighting spirit that you're renowned for - showing your grandkids what your family stands for, and how tough you are. But if you're not - thank you for showing what can be done when a mother has love for her child.  Jeff Dicks would never have come about without the love you had for Jeff.  Thank you for sharing that and showing us all what can be done.  God bless you, and your family.  I wish I'd got to know you better to be able to tell you exactly how much you mean to many, many people.  Debs

My Dearest Shirley,  All of us here at Prup, the Prison News Network, and CDC-IN wish to extend our hearts and love to you at this time. I know that right now has to be, once again, one of the hardest times you have gone through. Just know that all of us here, are here for you! If we could we would all wrap our collective arms around you and make this all be a bad dream.   You have done so much for so many inmates that have been medically neglected. We are grateful for all that you have done for so many!   If there is anybody who can moderate your lists for you I hope that they will be in touch with you or help in any other way as well.  Please know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.  You will be missed by all of us! And should you ever decide to come back that door will always be open to you!  Sincerely,  Mary Tunstall   National Prup Coordinator

Shirley,  I just saw your message on the Patrick Crusade list today   Dear heart, I am so very, very sorry!  There's nothing anyone can say, I realize.  I just want you to know that you are such a special person; you've fought the good fight and I want to personally thank you for that.   Words are worthless at this time and I realize that, but I also send you love and compassion and understanding and anything else I can muster to try to ease the pain of the loss of Jeff and now Trevor.  When I was 8 years old I had surgery to remove a diseased kidney.  I died right after surgery and was revived.  Death is not the ending.  I experienced what it is all about and it's actually very pleasant, peaceful and loving.  I didn't want to come back to life but the doctors revived me.  The "other side" is so much better than this one.

         Your boys have each other now; they are not alone.  They have no suffering or pain on the other side (I know this because I've been there before).  I'm not afraid of death because I know what happens after we die.   I have a good friend who lost one son to a farming accident and the other to suicide.  They communicate with her and teach a great many valuable things now.  Now they have unlimited knowledge, just as Jeff and Trevor do.  They are happy beyond the happiness this life has to offer.  I wish I could hold you and hug you and comfort you, Shirley.  Nobody should go through the death of one child let alone two.  I send much love to you, dear heart . I won't say that you must be strong because right now you can't be strong and shouldn't require yourself to be strong.  Simply know that you are loved and Trevor and Jeff are fine.  Talk to them and ask them to help you now.  They will answer; they will be able to hear you and you will be able to hear them too.   Love,  Candy

 

Shirley... Your life has meaning; all life has meaning!  What you have done has meaning!  Take some time off and heal, You are still young, and you can contribute to the life of others, and in so doing heal yourself.  Do you think that Jeff and Trevor would want you to give up and roll over?  I certainly cannot answer for Trevor, but I am sure that Jeff would say: Ma, give em hell."  There are so many men on Tennessee Death Row who have much to thank you for, and other ill inmates who are alive because of you.  You can do so much in the name of your sons, and in so doing heal yourself.

Shirley, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. and after a grieving period, you will not sink into a permanent depression. God never fives a human more than he can handle, and I pray that you will come out of this depression and grief, climb new mountains. And see the goals of the coalition you set up in Jeff's name blossom into reality. Peace to you. Glenn

Dear Shirley:  I just read an email from Mary Nordkvelle, about Trevor.  How terrible!  Oh, Shirley - how much more can God pile on top of you?  I wish I could reach out and give you many hugs.  But instead I have to head for Sacramento, where I have to talk to some lobbyists about the California prison system.  I wish I could be there with you.  I'll be home next Wednesday, 6/15.  I send you my love, many hugs, and all prayers and good wishes.  Love, Maria 

It has been a long time since I have talked to you, and I'm not sure you would remember me, and I wouldn't blame you if you don't, its been a few years... But I remember you. You are someone I have always looked up to and have admired the amazing character you have shown over the years. You are a great lady.  You have raised some amazing children who have been so loved and have done so much for this world.  I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your son. I cannot imagine how God will get you through this but I know that He will. In Romans 8:26 it says; "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words." When you have no words, remember this. |

Trevor was tremendous. A lovely person who has left us with so much. I thank God for that. Thank you for posting what he wrote on your site for Jeff. He had remarkable insight and such incredible depth and love. It will not be forgotten. His words and his life work will continue to bear fruit and continue to help others, as you have done. As Jeff did.... You and your family, your grandchildren and their children are in our prayers. You may feel so small, with no strength left, but please know that you are a comfort to your family at this time. And I believe with all my heart that Jeff and Trevor are so proud of you Shirley. The day will come when you will all be together again.  With love and all respect,  Bless your heart. Lisa (Berg) Sullivan ( formerly of the Nick Yarris Campaign)

Shirley - Few can say "I know how you feel" but I am one of them.  I know the great emptiness that sets upon you. Nothing will fill the void between the night's end and the day's beginning. I know the impulse to run from everything.  I know the impulse to scream and cry and scream and cry.  I know the terror.  I know the gamut of feelings that race through you like rats in the alley... Your son has left the planet.  Now both your sons are gone.  Nothing will bring them back.  My story is here www.TidesOfLife.com/jasonstribute.htm   I wish I were close enough to hug you but I also know that right now it wouldn't help.  How could it?  But if and when you feel like talking...    Marcia Jones, Center Director

Dear Shirley,  you might not know me anymore, I was the former German Coordinator of  the International Bannister Foundation....anyways..I have followed the case of Jeff and now I've heard about what happened to your other son Trevor. No words can describe what you're going through the second time now and I wish I could find words myself to help you, but of course I know, I can't, but I wish I could take some of your pain. I accept your decision of giving up all your work and groups, I sure do understand, but I want you to know that you're a very wonderful and special person and you helped so many people and you have my highest respect. You leaving is the biggest lost in the fight I can think of.  I know I can't help much, but I would like to send you at least $ 10 and I hope and pray that lots of people will help you financially to bring Trevor home. Please send me your address, because I don't know how long the money will take from Germany that's why I don't want to send it to the funeral home. I you still want me to send it there, no problem, just let me know please.  Sorry that I don't find more words, I can only say my heart goes out to you and your family and I hope you can find peace someday, somehow... Love from Germany,   Carola de Silva

My God!  I am sooooooo very sorry!  Please know that I am here and will be here for you at any time you need me.  I'm giving you my phone numbers and you can call me any time day or night!  I still want to come out there to see you this summer sometime so when you get through all this (and you will because you are a very strong woman) we will get together!  Are you OK?  Please don't let yourself give up hope.  You are here for a reason and you know this.  You said there was no reason to go on with everything, but you know that isn't true.  Trevor wouldn't want you to give up and neither would Jeff.  Take care of yourself and please get some counseling for depression.  Your family loves you and all of the JDC loves you.  We all need you here.  Even if you're not active for a while and take a long needed rest, we still need you around to give advice!  I will take care of the JDC as best I can, but I will need you in my corner!  I love you lady and will do anything I can to help you.  Please call me or get back with me ASAP.  I know you are probably busy with the family.  When you can, please contact me.  Love you girl..........Give my love and sympathy to all of your family.   Deann

Shirley, you are in my prayers and have been since I have loved ya.  I can relate as every single day since my 21 year old baby son died I am a disaster and then my husband since we was 16 years old died 2 months ago.  I like you....they tried to cremate him. I neither could stand that so we went through living hell from neighbors, etc.  But the media heard about my daughter and I having to pick his body up after it was enbombed and we had no choice but to leave his body in our vehicle in my front drive.  Neighbors called the media to tell on us but it at least got enough media attention that a lodge paid for his funeral from there.  it killed my only two living.  we are right back at the moment Chip died again for all it has done is bring back the memories.

 I know you nor I understand this all but through my 24 hour a day sobbing I still know in the back of my mind that Jesus still has a plan but I do question..." where are you Lord"?  I know we are not supposed to but it is so hard not to now.  I love you Shirley so much and I will be praying.  Please pray for us too   Love you Shirley,  Brenda

Just got back online and have just learned of the sudden death of Shirley Dicks' son, Trevor.  No words can properly convey the sorrow in my heart for Shirley.  This is such a shock for all of us and for sweet and loving Shirley, who has been so good to so many people; this is more than one human being needs in her life.  Many of us were with her with her eldest son, Jeff, was killed by the prison system and now her only other child has been killed in a truck accident.  If there is anything we can do to help Shirley in this time of grieving, let us do what we can without hesitation.

May Trevor and Jeff be together in love and peace in a place that is better now than what they have ever known.  May they reach out together to heal their mother's broken heart and may we all pray for her to mend very soon.  We love you, Shirley.  In reading Shirley's message to the PC group from the Web, I clicked on the link for the books she has written.  She needs funds to bring Trevor from NH to the funeral home in NC as she says below and I was thinking that she will need funds after the funeral too.  Perhaps one way to help support her would be by purchasing a book that she has written.  Please see the link below.  Some of her books are also listed in the PC Books section too, if you would rather go there. With Love & Blessings, Sherry Swiney

www.patrickcrusade.org

Dearest Shirley;  I am a former inmate and currently on the Board of CT-MTWT and am so very saddened by your loss. I am so sorry for your pain and would gladly help you bear your pain if that were possible, but this is a pain only a mother can bear. My condolences. I just wanted you to know that I am there for you, if there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to call upon me. You and your sons will always be in my prayers. And I want you to know that your sacrifices were not in vain, you good works have touched me, and many others like me, for that I and many others will remain forever grateful. Thank you my friend, for you unselfish sacrifices and unconditional love. May GOD bless you and your loved ones for all eternity.   Your friend always,   Ivan Beaulieu

Dear Shirley,   I am so sorry about your loss.  I know you are hurt and angry, but please rest assured that God does not hate you. Rather it seems he loves you like he loved Job, and has given you a heavier load than most to bear.  No mother should ever have to bury a child, and certainly not ever two! Mother Teresa said,  "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle, I just wish he didn't trust me so much." I know you wish you didn't have this burden to bear and if I could, I would wish it away for you.  Please know that you have friends all across this country (all the way to Alaska) who are holding you up in their prayers tonight and this week, praying that you will find the strength, courage, comfort, and grace to walk this dark road, and that you will know you are not walking it alone, that we are thinking of you and holding you in our hearts and crying for your loss along with you.  Kathy Harris

My heart goes out to you my dear lady. You have endured more than any
soul should have to. I wish you the best and will miss seeing your articles. You have alerted a lot of people to the realism of prison that would have never known about the system without you. Deanne is a great lady and I'm sure will carry on your work with her heart in it also. Thank you Shirley for all your labor and tears for the prison system. My boyfriend is in Arkansas and I have learned a lot since he & I met. I was a member of the ignorant majority until Feb. 2004. I have since read all that I can find and learned the other side of the coin. Rest assured that your friends will see to it that your son is returned to you. Thank you Shirley for giving your time to inform
people of the real truth about the prison SYSTEM.  With great respect,      Debbie 

Dear Shirley,  I am so very sorry about Trevor's death. I know that you must be absolutely devastated. This is such horrible news.   I know that there is nothing I can say that will make it any better, or change it in any way. There's no way  that this can be made all right, just as there was no way to make right what happened to Jeff.

All I can say is that I am grieving with you, and that I know that many others are, as well. You have earned such tremendous love and respect from so many other people who work for justice and mercy, and against the cruelty and unfairness of the death penalty, prison medical care, and other abuses in our criminal justice system. I used to tell many people that you were the mother that everyone on death row should have, and I know many such folk felt the same way. And for many years you did your best to be in some way the mother that many of them never had.  I also believe that God is grieving and suffering with you, just as God grieves and suffers with all those on death row, all those who are survivors of murder of their loved ones, all those locked in cages who receive inadequate health care, and all those who suffer in any way. That's the kind of God he is. After all, look what we did to Jesus.

You have been such a fierce and loving mother that I know that Trevor's loss must feel like the end of the world. But it's not. And I understand that you need to quit doing all your many projects for now. I don't think I would have the heart to continue doing them either, if I were in your place. Maybe you can come back to them later; maybe not. Maybe you will need to do something different and let other folks handle them the best they can.  I just hope you will hang in there. We still need you, your love and compassion, and your commitment to changing things, in this sad and harsh old world.  Please give Maria my best regards. 

I mailed a small check to the funeral home in Asheville along with a note about what it was for. I hope you can raise the money to get Trevor's body shipped to NC for the kind of burial you want.  I, along with lots of other folks, will keep you in my prayers. Love,  Harmon  Wray, Director   Vanderbilt Program in Faith and Criminal Justice

Dear Shirley,  I know no words to say how sorry I am to hear of your loss. Trevor was such a nice young man.  This week I have been thinking a great deal about my children, as June 15 is the day Daniel died. Losing two children is so hard to bear. Fran will have been gone 20 years this September.  Please try to hold on to their smiling faces and the wonderful times you had as a family. Love to your family, Anne Coleman and Barbara Lewis

Shirley,   I first want to tell you that I can only try to image what you are feeling right now and I sympathize with you. My heart is breaking with you. You have to keep going for your children that you have lost. They would want you to keep this fight going. You are a inspiration for all of us and your children and give us hope and I know they are proud of all you have accomplished so far as I am. Now I want to reach out to you and give you a helping hand in anyway I can.  Help you keep hope and strength to hold on .I believe it will some day it will get better. We are all here for you. Lean on us . Let us try to help you now in your time of need like you have helped all of us.  We all love you, Maria

 

I knew Trevor he was my best friend, We shared so many good times together ever since he was a little kid.  I watched him grow up, we became brothers and there was no secrets between us no matter what they were. He would stand by my side in any situation whatever it may be, good times, hard times, even bad times.  My little buddy would be there for me. I miss him so much.  I hope you are in heaven bro cause that’s where you should be . I love you always ,your old bro see ya on the other side (from his uncle Roger)

I have long believed that the spirit of all that is right gives the strongest among us the hardest of missions.  Shirley Dicks has been handed a mission only someone much loved by God could endure.  Shirley has been a steadfast advocate against medical neglect in prison, motivated by her first son, Jeff's death in prison. Through The Jeff Dicks Coalition, she has helped untold numbers of people in prison receive medical care.

  Shirley has faithfully stood against the death penalty for the same reason: She never wavered in her conviction that Jeff was innocence of any crime and has stood firm against the death penalty for many years because too many people are found to be wrongly convicted and sentenced to die.  Her books, 'They're Going to Kill My Son' detail that terrible part of her life. Now she has suddenly been challenged by the accidental death of her second son, Trevor, a young man who took up the same battles in honor of his mother and his brother. 

  To lose a child is the most difficult challenge a mother can face.  To lose two sons and yet continue to fight for others is above and beyond what most of us could endure.  Shirley, I so appreciate your efforts and, through the loss of my own son, share your pain with all my heart.  One day, you will know what this was all about and when you stand in spirit with your sons again and the reason for it all is perfectly clear, you will know how much love you've added to this world.  Thank you for that.  Kay Lee 

11-27-01

Dear Shirley

I got your Christmas card and letter. It was good to hear from you again. A few days ago I was sitting in the exercise yard looking across the river and it made me think of a conversation I had with Jeff a few years ago. He was telling me how pretty it was during the fall season I the mountains of Western Carolina. Jeff and I agreed that fall season in the mountains was just about as pretty a sight as either one of us had ever seen. Men talk to certain people about things they might not talk to many people about. Jeff and I often spoke of our dreams, our family, our plans for a future to one another. He so loved you and Maria. Many is the time he told me how he intended to take care of you when he got out and make sure you never wanted for anything.

He knew how blessed he was to be your son. He talked a lot about his worries and concerns for Maria. It hurt him that he couldn’t’ be there as she grew up and couldn’t provide for her as he wanted to do. He spoke of wanting to spend some time with his younger brother and try to help him get straightened out. Jeff had a strong sense of family. He loved his family above all else.

   On a lighter note, he used to make me laugh till my sides hurt talking about the women he would fall in and out of love with. When Jeff did something he gave it his all. He was a gentle old soul, but he sure had a passion for women. Actually he had a passion for life, but his body gave out on him. But the prison never broke his spirit and prison never hardened his heart or his ability to love and care about people. 

Shirley, you can be proud of Jeff. He was a special human being who took the time and made it a point to help others in spite of his own difficult situation. I know you and Maria miss him more than words can express. I miss him too. He will never be totally gone from one life though, cause his memory will always be kept alive in our hearts. You can see him in little Jeff everyday.

I swear sometimes I can almost hear that loud, roaring laugh of his after he heard a funny joke. I’ll never forget him. Jeff was like family to me.  Shirley, I think Jeff got a lot of his zest and passion for life from you. I know losing Jeff hurt you maybe more than anything else ever has, but Jeff would want you living life to it’s fullest. I know he is thankful that your there to love

and care for his daughter and grandson. Jeff is in heaven now. He fought the good fight and he ran his race. God wasn’t going to allow him to suffer any longer and He called Jeff home. You’ll see Jeff again, and when that time comes, it will be forever in peace and happiness in the house of the Lord. I know this through faith as sure as if I could see it with my own eyes. Shirley, you keep your faith in God cause He has never forgotten you. I’ll close for now, thank you for the card and letter. I normally don’t write many letters except to my wife, but for some reason I just wanted to share some of my thoughts and memories of Jeff with you. He was my friend and I was his friend.  God Bless You, Nick Sutton.

Hello Ms Shirley,

I got your letter last night and it was good hearing from you. I’m glad you and Maria had a good time at the reunion; it’s always good to go back home. You needed to go back and remember a time when you were happy. You have done more than anyone should have to do. I don’t know when you was last told, but you are a great mother, you’ve supported your children in every way possible, you’ve loved them and raised them and been more than just a mother.

          You’ve been a friend to them, and you’ve given a great deal to a lot of us here on death row as well. There’s a lot of people here who wouldn’t’ be doing as good as they are, if it wasn’t for you. They got people coming to visit them and everything because of you. They didn’t have anybody, believe it or not but you are an angel sent from heaven. You have done more for us than any group of governors, or legislators could ever do and we love you for it. I love you very much. I’m happy that the books and everything are doing good. What upsets me is that you are not taking better care of yourself; you are working yourself too much. I hurt me to find out that you are in the hospital. You get some rest and get better and know that you are in my prayers. You have to know that we all love you and want you to get better….love always, Rickey.

Dear Shirley,

Allow me this opportunity to thank you for thinking of me, not only on my birthday but Christmas, truthfully speaking, for thinking of me almost every day of this nightmare. I know and realize that you’re caught up in this awful nightmare with all of us. When I think back over the years and realize all of the times you’ve thought of us, especially me, and the numerous times you’ve gone out of your way for one of us, the words thank you, just don’t seem to be enough.

         However, I do thank you and appreciate the Christmas package you mailed me in 1987, the watch batteries you got for me in 1988, and the watch band you purchased me in 1992, the many Christmas cards, every year, and newsletters over the years. I thank you for all the kind thoughts and the many offers to help wherever you could. All of this has really made an important difference to me because I know of some of the hard time and troubles you’ve experienced throughout the years. Shirley you’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers.  Please don’t worry too much about us in here, Jeff included because those of us that were on four walk in unit six are still friends and look after one another, wherever we can, even though the administration has scattered us into four pods.

      We have managed to keep in touch and help one another whenever we can. I consider Jeff a good friend and it is a friendship that I truly value. In here good friends are a must if one hopes to maintain any degree of sanity.

I tell you this so you will know that Jeff will always be able to count on me

and our friendship.  He will never be al one in here he has several men in here

that regard him highly. Hopefully this will ease your worrying about him

somewhat. Pleas accept my thanks and gratitude for all the kindness you have

shown toward me as well as all the other prisoners involved in this hell. If

there is anything I can ever do for you, get word to me. Take care, sincerely,

Raymond Teague

Hello Ms .Dicks     1994

I hope and pray that God has been smiling on you and all that you do. I hope everyone is doing well, we are all doing fine here under the circumstances. Jeff has been helping us to get our GED. He’s a good teacher and he’s patient, he gets on the black board and he stays with it until he’s satisfied that we got it. We all love him and got plenty much respect for him, thank you for the birthday card. It was much appreciated.

          You’re right the holidays are hard on us, but it won’t always be this way. Soon we all will be headed home and we’ll spend the time with our family and friends. And believe me when I say I love you too. There’s a lot of us here who do love you very much, you are a second mother to us, and we are blessed to have you. Thank you for all the things you have done for us and the things you keep doing. You are truly heaven sent and don’t you forget that. We don’t tell you enough but we do love you and appreciate you. Thanks again for the birthday card. God bless, Rickey

Dear Shirley Dicks, 

Many years have passed since that first Christmas day when Christ our savior was born, but that spirit of that first Christmas lives on today, thanks to people like you. You don’t know me, and who I am is not important, although I have never asked you to send me a Christmas package, I have been blessed by your kindness and your caring.

      Having been separated from family and friends it is hard for some of us to get into the holiday spirit and even harder for those of us whose family and friends have stopped caring but in the short time I have been here, your giving has reminded me what Christmas is all about.  I know we would all enjoy sharing the season with our loved ones but Christmas is about love, kindness and understanding for our fellow man whoever and wherever he or she may be and it is this kindness that you have shown that has touched my heart.

       I write this letter to say thank you, for your gift of kindness and to let you know that your giving has not gone unnoticed and I am sure that the good Lord above is watching you and I know he has a special reward for you.

    I will close this letter by again saying thank you, and by letting you know that you are in my prayers along with all those who have helped you in your endeavors. May God richly bless you and keep you…..A Friend.

 Dear Mrs Shirley

I’m very sorry that I hadn’t written to you sooner but I’m glad that Jeff has got a grandson to carry on his bloodline, and share the loneliness for you. I’m very sorry for the pain that you have. I supposed to see Jeff on Monday and when I hear the inmates say that Jeff has passed I get very angry because I think they are joking. When I find out the truth, tears run out my eyes. I only know Jeff for seven years and I don’t see one person who doesn’t like Jeff. Every time I get myself in trouble, Jeff always be there for me. I never have a brother or sister but when I meet Jeff, to me he is my brother. Ma’am I hope that you can understand my English. How are you doing? I hope your doing all right. I hope to hear from you soon. Heck Van Tran

 Dear Shirley,

Thank you for thinking of us in here and for continuing to write to us even tho we sometimes forget to write back. Thank you for the picture of Maria’s baby. You can easily see the family resemblance. I know that Jeff is smiling down about to pop with pride. I will remember all of you in my prayers. I would also like to let you know that everyone here still speaks of you and Jeff and Maria and it’s always something good. I know that all my memories of Jeff and all of you are good memories and I like telling the new ones that come in about Jeff and how things used to be.

Shirley, I feel in my heart that you did all you could do. It’s all but impossible to fight against the state and I know that Jeff knew that as well. You did more than anyone else I’ve ever known to help not only your own son, but others too. We all owe you a lot of thanks for all you did.

              Even though he’s gone, Jeff remains a part of our lives and will always be with us. As long as he is in our memories he will never be totally gone. I wish there was something I could to help you with your case against the state, but I’m afraid there’s nothing to add. Everyone knows that the medical treatment n here is the worst in the state and getting even worse, Even with all the new things coming out about the death penalty, that tell how unjust and unfair it is, people still don’t care. The few like you that have a caring heart for others are few and far between. I do think that things will change but it will take time. I want you to know that you and your family will forever be in my prayers and in my memories. Take care of yourself and the baby.  Thank you, Sedley