Nash County wife who survived tornado hiding in bathtub dies after long illness
Deborah Moore, the wife of Navy veteran Michael Poythress, passed away on Friday night after battling a decline in health.
The couple, whose home was destroyed by an EF3 tornado in July, received a new house through a tornado recovery grant program.
This was made possible through the Twin County Tornado Fund, a collaborative effort between the United Way and Rocky Mount Chamber.
“They came forward and said, ‘We want to help you buy a new home,’” Poythress said.
The couple lived with Moore’s sister for three months.
“We have each other, and we have a new home,” Moore said.
The couple’s dog, Sabot, also survived the EF3 tornado on July 19. The couple hid in their bathtub.
“She was about 6 feet up when I pulled her back down,” Poythress recalled.
The tornado ripped off the roof of their home.
“It took about 15 seconds for everything to be stripped away from us,” Poythress said.
About 10 days after the tornado hit, the money from the couple’s homeowner’s insurance ran out.
“[The] United Way significantly helped us by a new home,” Poythress said.
Friends and family also set up a GoFundMe for the couple.
