Memorial Fund for Stephen and Alena Ayers

Hi, my name is Donna Sharpe. I am the step-mother and step-mother-in-law to Alena & Stephen Ayers from Mitchell County, North Carolina. Our family is devastated by this unexpected loss of our son-in-law and daughter caused by Hurricane Helene. As of yet, we don’t have 100% confirmation of Alena’s body being found. I would like to help the family be able to give the memorial that Stephen and Alena deserve, once Alena is found, to honor their memory and say our last goodbyes.

On Friday September 27th, 2024, Hurricane Helene changed our lives forever by taking our daughter and son-in-law. Never in a million years could our family have ever imagined having such a devastating loss. On this terrible day, once the storm had passed, my husband Sam (Alena's dad) and I went outside to investigate the damage. We did not realize just how catastrophic it was. Huge trees blown across the highway, power poles broken in two, cars floating in rivers and out into fields. Barns collapsed, houses flooded, bridges washed out, impassable roads, debris everywhere. So much devastation. We had no power, no internet, and no cell phone service to connect to the outside world. We could not even check on our family and friends.

On Sunday, September 29th, family members travelled to Mitchell County where Stephen and Alena lived. The roads leading to their home had been washed away. Back roads had to be taken to get to their community they lived in. The bridge crossing over to them was partly gone and no cars could go across. Family members crawled over lots of debris and huge trees to get to the other side of the river. Family members were able to go into Stephen and Alena's home, thinking they might still be there. No was was inside and it appeared the water had been chest high. At least two inches of mud covered the floor and furniture. The flood waters had toppled the refrigerator and scattered furniture throughout the house.

Alena was a Type 1 Diabetic, so family members salvaged what medicine they could for her in case she was found. Stephen and Alena had two cars, one car was reportedly washed down the river 2 to 3 miles, and the other car was pushed up against the old historic post office in Relief, North Carolina. Family members have searched every day, combing the mountains, going up and down the river yelling and screaming in hopes of finding them.

It is believed the bridge upstream from Stephen and Alena's house had so much debris against it, the bridge collapsed and this cause a "dam burst" effect. We are not sure, we can only guess, that Alena and Stephen were outside when the big wave hit, washing them down the river.

Stephen's body was recovered on Friday, October 4th in Erwin, Tennessee. Searchers are still looking for Alena. Authorities say they may find her in Tennessee as well. God was looking out for Stephen and Alena's 8 year old daughter Bridgett. They went to church on Wednesday night before the storm, and Bridgett asked if she could spend the night with her Paw-paw and Nana. On Thursday, Bridgett wanted to go home, but her Paw-paw told her a bad storm was coming and he wanted her to stay with them. Stephen's dad tried to get Alena and Stephen to stay with them, but they declined and felt they would be alright. I truly believe God spared Bridgett's life.

Stephen also leaves behind two daughters from a previous marriage, Oliva (16) and Eden (13). Of course these two girls are devastated from losing their daddy. Thankfully, God's hand of protection was on them as well. They were with friends when the storm hit.

I am not Alena's biological mother, but I loved her as my own. Alena was smart, sassy, witty and loved her Paparazzi business. Stephen was a quiet fellow. He loved fishing, hunting, and his family. He was such a big help to my husband and me over the years. But most importantly, they both loved the Lord and wanted to serve him. Oh, how I and many other are going to miss these two precious souls. I truly believe they strolled into Heaven together, hand in hand.

As everyone can imagine, the grief our family has endured is almost unbearable. This GoFundMe is to cover the costs of burial, a headstone, and clothing for all 3 children whose belongings were lost in the flood. Thank you so very much for the prayers and all the help during this time! God bless you!