Video: Volunteers Help Recently Widowed Woman Rebuild in Tupelo

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) -Work continues throughout Northeast Mississippi to rebuild and repair damaged homes from the April 28th tornado. Each survivor has an unique story and this week, volunteers from the area and out of state are helping a woman rebuild and heal, after the recent loss of her husband. WCBI’s Allie Martin has more.
Eddie and Howard Wallis were at their west Tupelo home when the tornado hit. When it was all over, a massive tree had crashed into the back of their house, causing roof damage and breaking out windows in their sunroom.

Several weeks ago, Eight Days of Hope sent volunteers to the Wallis’ home, the roof was replaced and other repairs made, but that same week, Howard Wallis , who had battled health problem in recent years, passed away suddenly.

Now, another group of volunteers is hard at work, helping Mrs. Wallis rebuild and heal.

“To grieve with her and to love on her and to be the light of Jesus for her.”

Anthony Pierce is pastor at Oakridge Christian Church, he also lives a few doors down from the Wallis house on Marquette Street.

Pastor Pierce contacted an organization called International Disaster Emergency Services, which put the word out that volunteers were needed to help out in North Mississippi.

That alert was seen by Gary Edens, a minister in North Carolina, who brought a team of volunteers from his church to help out.

“Being a pastor, being around a lot of elderly people, and when this type of thing happens, they need a lot of loving and help, they don’t have the means, they don’t have hands to do this kind of work.”

Mrs. Wallis says she’s blessed by the show of support.

“To know people who care for you and especially Christian people, it helps a lot.”

Volunteers say they’re just being obedient.

“We have a little motto in our church we end every service with. ‘What we have heard in the holy place, we go live in the marketplace’ So this is our marketplace this week. ”

In Tupelo I’m Allie Martin WCBI News
Volunteers expect to wrap up work on Mrs. Wallis’ house by Friday.