A House Fire Leaves a Family with Nothing

Bernice Williams has had a tough past year.  Her husband of 42 years passed away, different family members taken ill, and now her house is gone.

"My husband loved the house," said Williams.  "I have to try to get it rebuilt because he loved that house."

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene of the fire early Friday morning.  Williams was home with her grandson Jason at the time.  The fire started in Williams' car parked next to her house.  The flames jumped and fire began to engulf her home.

Williams was in such shock, police had to pull her away from the home.

"The police said, 'C'mon,' they said, 'the house is going to explode!' and the started popping on the house," said Williams.

All that she has to her name is in a plastic bag with her.  She's staying with her daughter in Loves Park currently. 

"The keys to a car and my house that I don't have anymore.  This is what I've got for 72 years of my life," said Williams.

Lucky to be out alive, Williams and her grandson are left with nothing.  She says she barely has any money.  She can't even pay to get her husband back from the crematorium almost a year after his death.

"I had him cremated and he's still not home.  I guess it's a good thing because I would have lost him again last night."  

TO HELP THE WILLIAMS FAMILY
Make a deposit at any Associated Bank branch in the Rock River Valley.  Mention the Bernice Williams Benefit Fund when you make your donation.