HOUSTON (NewsNation) — The funeral for Jocelyn Nungaray, the 12-year-old allegedly killed by two immigrants illegally in the country, will be paid for by Jim McIngvale, aka “Mattress Mack.”
McIngvale told NewsNation on Thursday that he was paying for Nungaray’s funeral because had she lived, she would have gone to the same high school as his children.
Nungaray’s family and friends will honor the 12-year-old Thursday, celebrating and remembering her compassion and humor.
Struggle to cover funeral costs
McIngvale said he was notified by a second-hand source that the family was having trouble paying for Nungaray’s funeral. It was then that he realized the 12-year-old would have attended the same high school that his children went to and began brainstorming ways he could help the family.
“Paying for the funeral took some of the enormous amount of stress off of them as they mourn the loss of their lovely child,” McIngvale said.
McIngvale is known across the country for his generosity and willingness to help communities in need, as well as the massive bets he placed on the Houston Astros to win the World Series. In addition to paying for Nungaray’s funeral Thursday, McIngvale told NewsNation that he was giving away 100 mattresses to veterans and first responders that morning.
Celebrating Nungaray’s life
Nungaray’s funeral will be held from 1-3 p.m. CT followed by a celebration of life, held at Gallery Furniture, from 3-6 p.m. CT. McIngvale hopes to host hundreds if not thousands of people to rally around Nungaray’s family and hopefully — at least temporarily — alleviate some of their grief.
“Houston cares about the family. Houston cares about Jocelyn, and her memory will last forever in our hearts,” McIngvale said.
“Jocelyn’s mother is a very brave lady and she’s raising another 6-year-old. The grandparents are tremendously supportive,” he continued. “So, hopefully they’ll get through it, and it’s a very tough time for them. But you know, it’s all about unity and community and that’s what we’re trying to establish here today with Jocelyn’s wonderful remembrance.”