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Fire destroys home Sunday in Jackson County
03/09/09 - 03:36 PM

By DEBORAH BUCKHALTER, Floridan Staff Writer

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Fire destroyed the home of a Jackson County woman early Sunday afternoon.

Effie Carter’s double-wide trailer was fully engulf by the time firefighters were alerted by a passerby and arrived at the scene just before 1 p.m.

Units from Jackson County Fire Rescue, Marianna, Campbellton, Graceville and Cottondale responded, but the structure was a total loss.

The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation. JCFR Chief Tony Wesley said initial findings show no sign of possible arson.

Carter lost everything in the fire, and said Monday she was still trying to figure out where she will live. The American Red Cross is assisting her with temporary shelter, food and clothing. But Carter is essentially starting over.

She hopes to eventually put a new mobile home on the same property, located at 4342 Waddell Mill Lane northeast of Marianna. She had owned the trailer just six years, but it held a lifetime of personal memorabilia.

She said her children’s baby pictures and photographs of her now-deceased father were among the most treasured items she lost in the fire.

She struggled against tears Monday as she talked about how much those meant to her, but she was trying to focus on the future, and all the things she needs to do in trying to rebuild her life.

Just two weeks ago, the economic downturn forced Carter’s employer into laying off workers, and she’s also struggling to deal with the loss of her job.

But she’s thankful that, in the midst of all the trouble, she does have some moral support — two of her grown children had moved back in with her temporarily not too long ago, and they’re a source of comfort in this difficult time.

Her newlywed son and his bride, Kevin and Candace Carter, were staying with her until their home was ready for them to move in. The newlyweds lost most of their wedding shower gifts in the fire, she said.

Her oldest daughter, Tammy Brown, has a lung disorder and had moved back in so her mother could take care of her.

It is about her children that Carter is most concerned as she deals with the loss of her home.

She said she would be grateful for any assistance the community could provide.

She said that, with no place to store anything right now, cash donations would be the most useful form of help as she gets back on her feet.

Donations can be dropped off with Dawn Amora at the Cornerstone Restaurant, or Carter can be reached at 209-9837. She is working to set up a special account for donations at her bank, but in the meantime can pick up any contributions.