WNC Voices: The Johnson Family Story

Grace by Example has been given the privilege to help the Johnson Family whose home was flooded out on the South Toe River during Hurricane Helene.

Credit: Story reproduced from “Report on Damaged Homes on S. Toe River” Sponsored by Mt. Mitchell Baptist Church by Rhonda and Jeff London

The Journey Behind

Judy, her husband Tim and her disabled daughter Taylor were all present in her house when Helene hit. As their house flooded, Judy personally held her daughter up above the floodwater for hours. Her husband got stuck outside as the flood waters raged and survived by hanging onto the tree in their front yard

See below for the testimony of Judy Johnson, who held her disabled daughter out of the water for many hours.

About Taylor

Taylor has Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects speech, mobility, and hand use. She cannot speak, walk, or use her hands, and requires full-time care. Children with Rett Syndrome lose all previously learned skills around age 2—permanently.

God brought her and the Johnsons together when she was 3 years old. She’s now 25.

The Aftermath

Judy is currently living with her family in a rented home in Morganton, about one hour from her homestire. The flooded house has been condemned by the county and the family was looking for land to build a new home.

Judy is a full-time care giver for her daughter, Taylor. Taylor is 25 years old and completely disabled with only the ability to move her eyes.

Holding on, Moving Forward

Judy, husband Tim, and daughter Taylor's house will be built adjacent to Barry Eckard's home in South Toe.

*A grateful thank you to New Church of Winston Salem, Rocky River Log Homes and Lincoln Log Enterprises Manufacturing for their gracious support.