In 2008, Dwyane Wade was able to give a new hope to his mother JoLinda Wade. ‘The Flash’ bought a church for his mother. It was a nod to her beginning a new life. “I feel reborn,” JoLinda said to ESPN about her new life and church. The mother of four was about to start her new life as a pastor, while both Wade and his sister were successful in their career. However, things weren’t so easy in the beginning, neither for the Wade siblings nor for their mother.

Here is everything we know about the inspirational woman who worked hard to change her life and, in doing so, inspired numerous others.

Who is JoLinda Wade?

JoLinda Wade grew up in Chicago. She married Wade’s father in 1977 and had two kids, ‘D-Wade’ and Tragil. But things weren’t going as she wanted. The two decided to part ways after 10 years of their relationship. Wade was just four months old when the two divorced. Later, when Wade was 9 years old, his custody was given to his father. 

Apart from that, JoLinda was also struggling with her drug addiction. Along with that, she had an abusive boyfriend. While she ensured to keep her precious kids safe from all the troubles, she couldn’t stop them from worrying. 

Wade in his book, ‘A Father First’, shared that as a child, he could not sleep at night because he was worried about his mother. However, he further mentioned his mother’s efforts to keep her children safe and loved despite her own battles. He added how his mother wanted them to follow their dreams and passion. In an interview, JoLinda once shared that she was the first cheerleader of her son and supported his love for basketball. 

“There is no question I worried about my mother when she was out at night, and loved her so much I couldn’t sleep because I wanted her to come home and let me know she was okay,” Wade wrote in his book. He added, “But there is also no question that JoLinda Morris Wade’s love for her children and her desire to see us achieve our dreams was the most important truth of my early years.”

JoLinda Wade’s inspirational change toward a better life

She might not have been able to stand alongside the Miami Heat legend for most of his life but her journey to fight all her battles and thrive has inspired many. She was determined to get sober, clean, and lead a normal life. With encouragement from her kids, JoLinda was able to change her life. Following this, she dedicated her life to helping others. Her son, Wade also bought her a church, The Temple of Praise.

“I feel reborn. Matter of fact, I feel reborn every day. There’s always something new every day. I just thank God for the experience,” JoLinda said about her experience. She became a Baptist pastor and shares the same title as LaDell Jones. The two met during their ministry training in 2004. 

“I respect my mother so much, from the life that she used to live and to see her today in the life that she lives. I’m so proud of her,” ‘D-Wade’ said to the press about this new initiative. Wade further stated that while everyone believes that he is the miracle of the family, it is actually his mother who made the miracle. Just last year, Wade also praised her mother for learning how to swim. The Miami Heat champion is proud of his mother’s achievements.

JoLinda Wade was seen with Dwyane Wade and the family in a WNBA game

Just recently, the family was seen present for Wade’s Chicago’ Sky’s game against Connecticut Sun. While his elder daughter Kaavia celebrated her birthday week with her friends back at home, Gabrielle Union and youngest Kaavia Wade joined him for the WNBA game. His mother JoLinda was also seen sitting next to Union at the Wintrust Arena 

A hilarious and adorable moment was also witnessed when Wade’s name was misspelled on the jumbotron. The incorrect spelling almost had Kaavia in shock while Wade laughed it off and even joked about it in his Instagram post which was captioned, “Hardly home but always repping #SkyTown #DeWayneWade.”

The Miami Heat has always gushed over his family. He is a good father and a good son. While he always praises his father for his contributions and support, Wade has also mentioned his love for his mother. His mother is truly an incredible woman whose spirit to fight, perseverance, and strength will continue to empower others.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.