An elderly couple, Marcia and Jerry Savage, from South Carolina tragically lost their lives during Hurricane Helene when a tree fell on their home in Beech Island, killing them while they were found embracing in bed. The couple’s grandson, John Savage, had checked on them moments before the tree crashed through their bedroom, causing their untimely deaths. The family believes it was God’s plan for them to pass away together rather than one of them suffering without the other. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene resulted in over 200 reported deaths across six states, with victims falling prey to falling trees, flash floods, and other devastation.
Jerry Savage, who was a handyman, spent his days working as an electrician and carpenter, often going in and out of retirement when he felt the urge to work. His daughter described him as a hard worker and a “doer.” Marcia Savage, a retired bank teller, was known for her active presence in church and her love for singing gospel music. She was also remembered for her delicious cooking and cherished recipes for Thanksgiving turkey and banana pudding. The couple’s friends and acquaintances paid tribute to their generosity, kindness, and humility on social media, expressing their condolences.
For many years, Marcia and Jerry Savage opened their home to their family during holidays and hosted Easter egg hunts in their yard. John and Katherine Savage, their grandchildren, lived in a trailer behind their grandparents’ house during their childhood and continued to stay with them in recent years. While previous storms had caused trees in the yard to fall, the family had not experienced anything as tragic as the night of Hurricane Helene. A GoFundMe page was set up to help cover funeral expenses for the couple, who are survived by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The Savage family’s story is one of teenage sweethearts who were married for over 50 years, exemplifying a love that was immediate and everlasting. John Savage honored his grandparents’ enduring love, stating that they loved each other until their dying day. The loss of Marcia and Jerry Savage has deeply impacted their family and friends, who mourn their passing and remember them fondly. Despite the tragic circumstances, the family finds solace in the belief that the couple is now together in eternity, continuing to share the love that defined their relationship.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the aftermath has left many communities reeling, with numerous deaths reported in multiple states. The Savages’ story is a heartbreaking reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters, with many lives lost to falling trees and flash floods. The community and loved ones of Marcia and Jerry Savage are left to grieve and come to terms with their sudden and tragic deaths, remembering them for their love for family, their hard work, and their generosity. Their legacy lives on through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will cherish their memories for years to come.
