MAYFIELD, Ky. — Tuesday marked the three-year anniversary of the EF-4 tornado that ravaged much of Mayfield, and elements of grief and recovery still weigh on the community.
The community gathered Tuesday as eight homes for storm survivors were dedicated by the disaster relief group the Hope Initiative, commemorating Mayfield’s significant losses and the advancements made toward healing and rebuilding.
Speaking during the dedication of eight new homes for tornado survivors in Mayfield, Kentucky, on Tuesday, Mayor Kathy O’Nan said the city will continue to celebrate blessings and define itself by resilience.
The Rev. Stephen Boyken, lead pastor of His House Ministries and president of the Hope Initiative, highlighted the rallying of state, county and city officials and volunteers for large-scale recovery.
“As a community, we must continue to offer them comfort, share hope and encourage others through acts of kindness and service,” Boyken said. “This disaster can live beyond the tale of tragedy, and as a story of redemption and what we can build when we come together.”
Mayor Kathy O’Nan said Mayfield will continue to celebrate blessings and define itself by resilience, rather than the horrors of that fateful night.
“This day will always sit differently in our hearts than any other we experience,” O’Nan said. “While we can only comfort those who lost loved ones and let them know they will not be forgotten, we have only to stand here and realize the rebirth, growth and recreation of the community.”
Gov. Andy Beshear was unable to attend the event as scheduled because of weather delays, but his field representative, Alex Caudill, said the state is still invested in the revitalization of Mayfield and other communities affected by the tragedy.
Caudill said the Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund has facilitated the construction of more than 200 new homes in the region, including more than 50 with the Hope Initiative.
“The amazing thing about that fund is tens of thousands of people from across Kentucky, the United States and world stepped up and donated millions of dollars to help us,” Caudill said.
In a recorded message, Beshear said the families of 81 Kentuckians lost in the tornado are still mourning. The governor also recalled the way people worked together after the disaster, displaying compassion and unity as they worked to lift western Kentucky from the rubble.
“What we saw afterward was nothing short of incredible Kentuckians living out their faith and values in the Golden Rule to love their neighbors as themselves,” Beshear said. “Together, we have shown we are stronger than any disaster Mother Nature can throw at us.”
With funding secured for a new fire department, police department and city hall, Beshear said the pieces are in place for a full rebound of the Mayfield community.
Beshear noted that Mayfield was one of the top towns of its size in the country for economic development after the tornado.
He said work still remains as long as there homes to be rebuilt and lives to restore, and occasions like Tuesday’s home dedication illustrate the feats of strength needed to fulfill that promise.
“Our job is to make sure those who have been through the worst receive the best of the best,” Beshear said. “Today, we’re going to remember very tough times, but we’re also going to remember all the people who showed up and helped on this three-year anniversary.”
Representatives with the Hope Initiative, Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan and State Rep. Richard Heath pose for a photo with families who received new homes Tuesday.
State Rep. Richard Heath said rebuilding Mayfield was a challenging process, but hope began to emerge after two years.
He said the city and county were granted $54 million to reconstruct municipal structures, including the courthouse, city hall, police department and fire stations.
Heath advised the community to remain steadfast, fulfilling the promise of revitalization as the city hits strides three years later.
“That’s what I would like to see for Mayfield in five years, to have our new buildings in place and homes rebuilt,” Heath said. “Remember that not everyone has rebuilt yet. There’s still people hurting, and there are still needs to be met for the organizations that have been here all this time.”
Deborah Hobbs receives the key to her new home during a dedication ceremony in Mayfield on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
Two Mayfield residents who have finally had their needs met are mother Deborah Hobbs and daughter Dabrielle Hobbs, who received the keys to their new home on Tuesday.
Deborah expressed a newfound sense of stability after years of turmoil around her living situation.
Close to the date of the fateful tornado, she moved out of her home and in temporarily with family, placing her belongings in storage.
The disaster destroyed the facility housing all her items and heavily damaged her family home. She said that spurred several years of displacement and uncertainty.
“We lost everything we owned. We had no help from FEMA or anybody else,” Deborah said. “This is the first side of help I’ve received, and I’m very appreciative.”
Deborah spoke to the power of collective action and outreach from various philanthropic organizations.
She said the adversity she encountered felt insurmountable, but relief groups like the Hope Initiative have rendered a profound impact, finding light in absolute darkness.
“It feels unreal,” Deborah said. “We’ve been through a lot these last three years, trials and tribulations financially, physically and emotionally. This is a blessing, and I’m very thankful for all the people involved.”
Will Spencer is a reporter for the Mayfield Messenger.
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