CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A grandson says he forgives the man who stabbed his grandmother and her two children to death.

Suspect Anthony Mathis killed his mother-in-law Patricia McCollum, better known as Miss Pat. The grandson now opens up and talks about the family’s tragedy.

It’s too early for Deronn McCollum to talk about his relationship with the suspect’s family. But if there was one thing Pat taught him, it was to be a man of faith.

“His exact words were: ‘I lived my life. I’m happy. I beat the odds.’ And you know, he was strong in helping people push through and overcome adversity,” McCollum said.

When Pat became pregnant in her teens, many of her friends disowned her, McCollum said. He used this as motivation to get a degree and move his family to better circumstances.

“He taught me to work hard and I keep my head up and I never listen to what the haters say ’cause he said, ‘As long as they hate, you’re doing something right baby,’” McCollum said.

His heart is heavy for DJ and Kaydence, the other two victims of the triple stabbing. He said the DJ had serious disabilities that prevented him from speaking and confined him to a wheelchair. He added that a lot of people would overlook him, but Pat wouldn’t. Kaydence was full of energy and loved all things girly.

McCollum said the family is supportive of each foster child.

“Some people don’t want to share their grandmother that way; they don’t want to share their mother that way. It’s like, ‘Do I have to share you with all these people? All these (people), I have them to share you?’ But it was like he had so much love that it was enough for everyone,” McCollum said.

Pat, DJ and Kaydence’s funeral will be held on November 8th. Open to everyone who loves them. The family is inviting people to send a video message of 20 seconds or less about the victims. You can email it to [email protected] or text (513)-633-1748.

Funeral services will be held at Corinthian Baptist Church, 1920 Tennessee Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45237. The Repass celebration will be held immediately following at the Receptions Event Center, 5975 Boymel Dr., Fairfield, OH, 45014.

• Waking up between 10 and 11:30 in the morning
• Funeral 11:30-14:00
• Passing again between 15:00 – 20:00

Donations may be made at Walker Funeral Home. Food and drink donations can be brought directly to Repass.