A mother lays her son to rest more than a year after his burial in a pauper’s grave.

Jonathan and his daughter, Brooke.

Friends and family members at the funeral

Gretchen Hankins stood amidst the serene rows of granite headstones at a rural church cemetery one early Saturday afternoon, each name a poignant reminder of a loved one lost. As she traced her fingers over the letters etched into the stone, she found herself at her mother's resting place, adjacent to a freshly dug grave awaiting her only son, Jonathan.

"It's more than just the body," she murmured softly. "It's a place where we can still speak to them, where love transcends the boundaries of life and death."

Over 17 months had passed since Hinds County authorities labeled her son, Jonathan David Hankins, as "unclaimed," consigning him to a pauper's burial outside the Hinds County jail work farm in Raymond. His grave, marked only by a stark number – 645 – stood as a symbol of a system that failed to recognize his worth and the love that surrounded him.

In the relentless search for answers, Gretchen had scoured every corner, pleading for help on social media, and tirelessly seeking assistance from law enforcement. Little did she know that the very authorities who should have aided her had held the key to Jonathan's fate all along.

It wasn't until December after an investigative report by NBC News unearthed the truth, that Gretchen discovered her son's final resting place. Shock and anger coursed through her veins as she confronted the reality of his lonely burial, a fate unbefitting of the cherished son she knew.

Now, standing at the precipice of her son's long-overdue funeral, Gretchen grappled with a mix of emotions. A small gathering of mourners assembled at the Simpson County cemetery, a testament to the enduring impact of Jonathan's life, flawed yet beloved.

As pallbearers solemnly carried Jonathan's casket to its final resting place, tears mingled with the echoes of heartfelt eulogies. Amidst the strains of "Amazing Grace," Gretchen found solace in the embrace of loved ones, knowing that her son was finally home, surrounded by family rather than strangers.

In the aftermath of tragedy, Gretchen vowed to turn her pain into purpose, demanding accountability and justice for Jonathan and others who suffered a similar fate. Though the wounds of loss may never fully heal, she found solace in the collective memory of those who cherished Jonathan for who he was – imperfect, yet deeply loved.