Rev. Roy Oatis, pastor of James Hill Church, wears a surgical mask to protect himself from coronavirus, looking at piles of debris in front of what used to be his church. 

“I was at home hosting a live-stream of our Easter service before I took shelter,” Otis said. “I didn’t realize how bad it was going to be.”

South Mississippi was devastated by 13 radar-confirmed tornadoes that caused 12 reported fatalities on Easter Sunday. About six counties reported fatalities and 30 more reported storm related damage. As of Tuesday, more than 500 homes were affected and thousands remained without power.

Roger Dyess, a disabled Carson resident, received severe damage to his home. His roof had been torn away, vehicles overturned and several trees surrounding his home fell. But with the help of family and volunteers, Dyess was able to begin repairs on his home. “This is all material things that can be replaced,” Dyess said. “I am just grateful to have people come out here and help me get things slightly back in order.”

Mississippi last saw a surge of tornados in 2011 which killed 23 people. Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency due to the severity of the storms and tornadoes. 

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Ravaged by Easter Sunday tornadoes, South Mississippi towns start rebuilding: Photos

by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today
April 15, 2020

<h1>Ravaged by Easter Sunday tornadoes, South Mississippi towns start rebuilding: Photos</h1> <p class="byline">by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today <br />April 15, 2020</p> <p>Rev. Roy Oatis, pastor of James Hill Church, wears a surgical mask to protect himself from coronavirus, looking at piles of debris in front of what used to be his church.&nbsp;</p> <p>“I was at home hosting a live-stream of our Easter service before I took shelter,” Otis said. “I didn’t realize how bad it was going to be.”</p> <p>South Mississippi was devastated by 13 radar-confirmed tornadoes that caused 12 reported fatalities on Easter Sunday. About six counties reported fatalities and 30 more reported storm related damage. As of Tuesday, more than 500 homes were affected and thousands remained without power.</p> <p>Roger Dyess, a disabled Carson resident, received severe damage to his home. His roof had been torn away, vehicles overturned and several trees surrounding his home fell. But with the help of family and volunteers, Dyess was able to begin repairs on his home. “This is all material things that can be replaced,” Dyess said. “I am just grateful to have people come out here and help me get things slightly back in order.”</p> <p>Mississippi last saw a surge of tornados in 2011 which killed 23 people. Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency due to the severity of the storms and tornadoes. </p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597994" data-id="597994" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224405/MG_8766-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A salvaged framed edition of the Prentiss Headlight.Tuesday, April 14, 2020 after Sunday's tornadoes in Prentiss, Miss. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598002" data-id="598002" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224327/MG_9045-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Roger Dyess sits in a chair near his home in Carson, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Roger has serious health problems and is unable to work on repairing his home. Several of his neighbors and other volunteers have been helping with his home repairs and salvaging items. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598001" data-id="598001" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224332/MG_9034-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">True Payer lifts a sheet of tin to awaiting volunteers repairing the roof of Roger Dyess' home in Carson, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597999" data-id="597999" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224340/MG_8910-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">After Sunday's tornadoes, volunteers help to repair the roof of Roger Dyess' home in Carson, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598000" data-id="598000" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224336/MG_9025-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Geneieve Magee looks for salvageable items at Roger Dyess' home in Carson, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598012" data-id="598012" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224233/MG_9320-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Damaged trees near Williamsburg Road in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598011" data-id="598011" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224239/MG_9298-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A volunteer surveys tornado damage in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598010" data-id="598010" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224244/MG_9292-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Collin Sanderson picks up debris at his grandfather's home in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598009" data-id="598009" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224249/MG_9253-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A fallen tree on a car at Roger Lee's home in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598008" data-id="598008" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224255/MG_9228-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Isaac Sanderson climbs over the debris from tornadoes at his grandfather's house in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598007" data-id="598007" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224300/MG_9188-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Roger Lee's grandsons and their friends survey the damage at his home in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598006" data-id="598006" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224306/MG_9153-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">From left: Collin Sanderson, Shaun Sanderson, D.J. McNeil, Charlie Leffler and Jayden Smith survey the damage of Roger Lee's home in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598005" data-id="598005" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224311/MG_9107-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A damaged vehicle rests in front of Roger Lee's home in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598004" data-id="598004" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224316/MG_9080-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Volunteers help remove fallen trees near Roger Lee's home in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-598003" data-id="598003" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224321/MG_9077-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A damaged animal trailer in Carson, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597998" data-id="597998" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224345/MG_8846-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Chris Walker, Jermaine Barnes and Jayden Buckhalter prepare to deliver water to tornado victims in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597997" data-id="597997" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224350/MG_8835-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Chris Walker prepares to load his utility trailer with water for tornado victims in Bassfield, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597996" data-id="597996" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224355/MG_8824-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Terrell Buckley in front of his mother's home in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The home was damaged during Sunday's tornadoes. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597995" data-id="597995" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224400/MG_8793-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A cross remains on the wall of a destroyed home in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597993" data-id="597993" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224410/MG_8747-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Bags of clothes cover the front yard of a home in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597992" data-id="597992" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224415/MG_8724-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Lonnie Holloway, a member of James Hill Church, sits on a utility trailer in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Holloway stopped by the church to check on the well being of the pastor after Sunday's tornadoes. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597991" data-id="597991" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224420/MG_8702-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Luke Cook, left, and Reuben McDowell help clean up a site near James Hill Church in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597990" data-id="597990" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224425/MG_8663-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Chairs from Jones Hill Church are salvaged after Sunday's tornadoes in Prentiss, Miss. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597989" data-id="597989" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224430/MG_8650-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Pastor Roy Oatis stands on in front of what was Jones Hill Church in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The church was destroyed by a tornado on Sunday. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597988" data-id="597988" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224434/MG_8622-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Reuben McDowell helps clean up the area around James Hill Church in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-597987" data-id="597987" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06224440/MG_8604-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Tornado damage in Prentiss, Miss., Tuesday, April 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>This &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mississippitoday.org/2020/04/15/ravaged-by-easter-sunday-tornadoes-south-mississippi-towns-start-rebuilding-photos/&quot;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; first appeared on &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mississippitoday.org&quot;&gt;Mississippi Today&lt;/a&gt; and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.&lt;img src=&quot;https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/06074517/MT_icon-logo-favicon-1-200x200.png&quot; style=&quot;width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;&quot;&gt;&lt;img id=&quot;republication-tracker-tool-source&quot; src=&quot;https://mississippitoday.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=598179&amp;amp;ga4=G-VSX4B701MS&quot; style=&quot;width:1px;height:1px;&quot;&gt;&lt;script&gt; PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: &quot;https://mississippitoday.org/2020/04/15/ravaged-by-easter-sunday-tornadoes-south-mississippi-towns-start-rebuilding-photos/&quot;, urlref: window.location.href }); } } &lt;/script&gt; &lt;script id=&quot;parsely-cfg&quot; src=&quot;//cdn.parsely.com/keys/mississippitoday.org/p.js&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</p> Copy to Clipboard

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