“God Loved Him More”: Finding Comfort in a Mother’s Faith

Comfort Dogs Continue to Bring Healing to Milwaukee Lutheran High School After Tragic Loss of Senior Donnell Jones

On Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited Milwaukee Lutheran High School following the heartbreaking death of Donell Jones, a senior who was killed in a shooting on Easter morning. Donell, a beloved member of the football team, was preparing to graduate and attend Northern Illinois University in the fall to study medical science. His mother shared a powerful testimony of faith, saying, “God rose today. My son rose today too, because he’s with Him. My son is in paradise," reflecting her incredible trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, WI), Mary and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, WI) arrived at the school to meet with grieving students and staff. The entire community was reeling from the devastating news. One young woman expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying she was "so thankful to have the Comfort Dogs at school this week," and that their presence meant so much "when words are so hard."

On Wednesday, Charity, Rejoice, and Samaria returned to continue sharing God’s mercy, compassion, and presence. Meeting students as they arrived for the day, the handlers noticed a slightly lighter mood. Smiles began to emerge, and more conversations filled the halls. Although some students remained somber—especially those following Donell’s class schedule—the Comfort Dogs brought visible moments of peace and comfort.

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Teachers warmly welcomed the teams into their classrooms. In gym class, handlers walked laps around the track with students and spent time with a group tossing a football—some of whom had played on the team with Donell. They recalled Donell as a small, fast running back who was always full of energy and loved the game with a contagious joy.

In the Writing and Comparative Religion classes, students were given time and space to journal and talk about their experiences over the past few days. While many shared that it had been a difficult week, they also said they were "doing okay." The Comparative Religion teacher, who had offered a heartfelt eulogy during Tuesday’s chapel service, is deeply respected by the students for his genuine care and compassion.

The Comfort Dogs also visited the Contemporary Issues class. In every classroom, teachers encouraged students to be gentle with themselves, to do only what they could manage, and to engage with the Comfort Dogs if they wished. One handler noted, “I was impressed with the relaxed, comforting, and nurturing environment created by the teachers.”

Through faith, compassion, and the unconditional love of the Comfort Dogs, Milwaukee Lutheran High School found moments of healing in the midst of profound grief.

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Posted: April 22, 2025

The Milwaukee Lutheran High School, WI, community is grieving the tragic loss of senior Donell Jones (pictured), who was killed on Easter Sunday. A beloved son, friend, student, and athlete, Donell was known for his bright spirit, deep friendships, and big dreams. He was set to graduate this spring and had already been accepted to Northern Illinois University, where he planned to study medical science with hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist. He also intended to try out for the football team, continuing the sport he had played throughout high school.

In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, students, teachers, and loved ones gathered to remember Donell and lean on one another for comfort. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry were present on Tuesday to support the grieving school community.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Mary & Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, Wisconsin) offered their quiet presence, while handlers observed the strong bonds Donell had built with his peers and mentors.

One handler shared, “After a period change, we were again asked to come close to a young woman having a hard time entering the classroom realizing Donell was not there. His chair was empty. We were led to an empty classroom where this young woman was able to release her sobs freely. She kept apologizing to the counselor for crying. It was good to see her relaxed and feeling relieved a bit later. It was hard to leave today.”

A special chapel service created sacred space for students and staff to come together in prayer, reflection, and shared sorrow. The service was filled with gentle moments—hugs, quiet conversations, and heartfelt prayers—as the school community processed their grief and sought peace in God's presence.

A Heart of Mercy & Compassion, bearing handwritten messages and tributes, became a powerful symbol of remembrance. Students, teachers, and family members signed the heart, which was placed on a cross in Donell’s honor. The messages spoke of Donell's loyalty, his kindness, and the deep imprint he left on those around him.

What stood out most to the LCC and HMC team was the strength and faith of Donell’s mother. In the midst of unimaginable pain, she held onto God’s promises. "I loved my son, but God loved him more," she wrote at the top of the cross. Her words echoed the powerful truth found in Luke 23:43--“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

“God rose today,” she said. “My son rose today too, because he’s with Him. My son is in paradise.”

Though Donell’s life was tragically cut short, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of friendship, ambition, and faith will not be forgotten.

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