A lightening strike on June 11 caused an explosion at the home of Edward and Sherry Johnson in the Goshen/Henderson community.

They lost their home, their possessions and their three Yorkies in the blast and resulting fire.

“It’s all gone. The lightening hit dead center and their home exploded like a bomb. Everything they had is gone expect my daughter’s car,” said Sally Allen. “The car would have been gone, too, except a neighbor pulled it away with his tractor.”

Even with the devastating loss, Allen said the family was blessed. Neither the couple nor their daughter was home at the time of the fire.

“We’ve got so much to be thankful for but the loss is … everything,” she said.

Sherry Johnson and her daughter, Megan Johnson, are nurses at Crenshaw County Hospital in Luverne. Edward Johnson is employed at Sikorsky Support Services.

Allen expressed appreciation to the volunteer fire departments that responded to the fire, Henderson, Goshen, Springhill and Meeksville and the Troy Fire Department.

“They did all they could, and we want to thank them,” Allen said. “We also want to thank those who have stepped up to help. The Red Cross in Crenshaw County got a motel room at the Hampton Inn through Monday and we appreciate that so much.

“Then, Sherry, Edward and Megan received another blessing. Jerry and Jan Harrell pulled their motor home over to them to use until they can get settled somewhere. People are good. People are just good.”

The Johnson family had insurance but not enough to begin to cover their losses, Allen said.  “When you lose everything, there’s just no way to put it back,” she said. “Any donations of clothing and household items would be greatly appreciated.”

An account has been set up at BB&T in Troy for those who would like to make a monetary donation to the family.

The family may be contacted at 334-672-7477.