Homewood Chevrolet Gifts Car To Grandmother After Daughter Dies

HOMEWOOD, IL — Dollena Colvin, of Harvey, didn't know that lending her car to her daughter Michelle and son-in-law to go to the laundromat would change her life forever.

In October, Colvin's 32-year-old daughter and her husband Jeremy Stewart, 30, were killed in a car crash in Harvey. Colvin said the couple died instantly, leaving behind their four children who she is now caring for.

"That was the last time I seen her ... It was tragic for all of us," Colvin said.

The crash left the family without a car. That is until Colvin's niece, DeAnna Taylor, nominated Colvin for the Chevy Cares car giveaway with Chevrolet of Homewood, located at 18033 S. Halsted St.

The sixth annual event submissions were reviewed by dealership staff, then later, five finalists were featured in a video telling their stories. Colvin, who made it to the finals round, submitted a video that can be seen below.

The grandmother said if they win the car, the license plate will read "Michelle" to honor her daughter.

One of Colvin's grandchildren is in remission after a battle with brain cancer.

"Two years ago he was fighting brain cancer. We have been taking him back and forth to the hospital ... he still has to go to the hospital," Colvin said. "That would be one of the reasons for this car."

Colvin said another reason the car will be helpful for the family would be that she can go back to work. When her daughter and son-in-law died, Colvin took time off her job of 25 years as a general manager to care for her grandchildren.

"I don't mind. I don't want them to be nowhere else but with me," Colvin said. "This car would be a blessing to all of us ... if we get it or not, God is still good."

Employees at Chevrolet chose Colvin as the winner. She and her family were presented with their new car at a ceremony that was held early morning on Christmas Eve. The ceremony and Colvin's brand-new car can be seen below.

Chevrolet of Homewood owner Steve Phillipos and other staff members gifted the car to Colvin with six months of insurance and promised to pay the sales tax. Phillipos said the contest had about 700 submission this year.

"We believe in miracles, and we believe miracles happen" Phillipos said at the ceremony. With much excitement in the air, Colvin and her family cheered and jumped for joy, during the ceremony. Colvin can also be seen getting emotional.

"We just want to thank everybody who voted for us," Colvin said. "I especially want to thank my niece ... and I want to thank God."