ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) -A 22-year-old woman caring for her three younger siblings after their mother’s sudden death received holiday support from the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office through the Shop with a Sheriff program.

Kwamerical Davis became the guardian of Helena, Rico, and little Thomas after finding their mother, Latoya Davis White, dead at home two months ago. Davis, who also has a two-year-old daughter, said the responsibility of caring for her siblings has been challenging but rewarding.

“It’s a roller coaster, though. Especially nowadays, it’s a roller coaster because they love to challenge me since I’m their sister. But it’s definitely enjoyable,” Davis said.

Taking on new responsibilities

Davis said she was watching her siblings one night when she returned to her mother’s house to retrieve something and discovered her mother’s body.

“I still have dreams and flashes of walking into her. And honestly, it don’t feel all the way real yet because it’s still fresh. It’s just two months. So it doesn’t feel completely real all the way,” Davis said.

Despite having her own young child to care for, Davis took responsibility for her three younger siblings.

“And I know truthfully, she’s happy that I have them. She knows that no one else on this earth will love them and care for them as much as I do, as she did,” Davis said.

Community support

Captain Nelson, who served as a school resource officer when Davis was in school, heard about the family’s situation and decided to sponsor them for Dougherty County’s Shop with a Sheriff program. He arranged for Officer Matthew Faulk to spend the day with the children.

The day began at Tokyo Hibachi, where the Davis children joined other participants for a meal and entertainment. Dougherty County Sheriff Terron Hayes attended the event.

“How many of y’all like spending other people’s money. I know my kids. All right. Well, I know the grown folk do, but kids, you’re going to learn today that it’s fun spending other folks’ money. Christmas time is a very special time. And Christmas is about Christ. And today we’re going to enjoy the moment. We’re going to enjoy each other. But we’re also going to understand the reason for the season,” Hayes said.

Shopping experience

After lunch, traffic was stopped so the children could safely cross the street to Target, where each child received $150 to spend. The siblings also selected gifts for Davis’s youngest child, who was not present.

Davis said her siblings were appreciative of the experience.

“They are some very grateful kids, truthfully. Like, if I would have went to Dollar Tree and just grabbed a couple items, I think they would have been satisfied. They’re not picky kids. So I was worried, but now that I think about it, not too worried. Because they’re grateful,” Davis said.

Davis said she remains grateful for community support as she navigates her new role and continues working to make her mother proud.

“I know she’s overly proud. That’s something she stays in. And I’m just continuing to make her prouder, though. And yeah, that’s all I can really do. Try to make her prouder. But I can say one thing. My mom always let me know that she was very proud of me. For everything that I was doing. Yes,” Davis said.

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