The couple Jerry Savage, 78, and Marcia Savage, 74, were in love till the end. Sadly, they ended up becoming just one of the numerous people killed by Hurricane Helene as it tore across the Southeastern United States.
Following Hurricane Helene, dubbed the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005, tragic tales of loss are beginning to surface from devastated towns.
Jerry Savage,78, and his wife Marcia Savage,74, a devoted couple from Beech Island, South Carolina, are among the victims. At least 231 people have died as a result of Hurricane Helene in six states, and the couple’s tragic demise highlights the disaster’s significant effects. The bedroom where they had spent so many memories was crushed by a falling tree that fell into their house.
When authorities arrived at the horrific site, they were able to confirm their deaths.
According to their 54-year-old daughter Tammy Estep, “My daddy was on top of my mama hugging her trying to protect her,” she told USA Today. “They had to be pulled apart by the coroner.”
When Jerry and Marcia first met as teenagers, they fell in love right away. They shared a special bond—they were born on the same day, January 22, just a few years apart—and had an amazing 50+ years of marriage. They were also very active members of their local Baptist church.
Since 1975, the couple had resided in their charming one-story house. Tammy Estep, their daughter, thought back on her parents’ love as an inspiration. “It happened right away, and it lasted forever,” she remarked.
John Savage, their grandson, who was present in the house that tragic night, also provided some devastating facts about tragedy.
When John raced into their room at 4 a.m. on the night of the storm, he discovered them and their small dog, Angel, startled but safe. But within an hour, catastrophe hit. When the tree collapsed, they heard “the biggest bang of their lives.” John tried furiously to get in touch with his grandparents, but the door was closed. John would have to wait a while to find out the terrible reality.
John told ABC4News, “My grandpa apparently heard the tree snap beforehand and rolled over to try and protect my grandmother when they pulled them out of there.” “They remained in love until the day of their death.”
Sadly, Angel, the family’s two-year-old Chow Chow mix, was also discovered dead in bed with them.
Following this tragic event, a fundraising drive headed by a relative who called Jerry and Marcia “two of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever known” has been formed to aid with funeral expenses. The couple is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, according to their GoFundMe page.
Jerry was a hard worker who worked as an electrician and builder. According to his daughter, he was an oil painter and an enthusiast for vintage motorcycles, especially Harley Davidsons. Marcia retired from banking after a successful career.
Estep said, “My mama was very active in the church and her grandkids were her life.” She looked after us and lived for her family. Our housewife. She was happy with that. Her affection.
A very sad reminder of the strength of love, even in the face of unfathomable tragedy, is found in the story of Jerry and Marcia Savage. However, their loved ones and the community they impacted will carry on their legacy!
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