Just as JD and Hope Smith were preparing for the impending winter storm last week, a devastating fire broke out on their property southeast of Okarche, destroying most everything they owned.

Tragically, JD’s mother, who the couple was caring for at the time, lost her life in the fire as well.

The fire erupted Tuesday afternoon, quickly consuming the Smith’s home and two campers on the property.

The couple have longtime roots in the county.

JD grew up in Okarche and Hope in Dover. The two have been an integral part of the Okarche community for many years.

They have seventh grade twins, Lycan and Corbin, who attend Okarche Public Schools and a grown daughter, Cortney Tabor and her husband, Nick, who also lived in one of the residences on the property.

Hope’s mother lived on the property as well and her home was also destroyed.

Always a pillar of strength and kindness in the community, the family is now left with the overwhelming task of starting over.

“They are such giving and loving people,” Donna Reid said.

Attending and serving with the family through Light Your World Church together, Reid said JD and Hope do so many things for others within the church and the community.

He’s always the first one there, putting on the coffee and Hope is an integral part in the children’s ministry, amongst the many things they do, she said.

“They are really good-hearted and sweet people who are always taking care of others,” Reid added.

As the family navigates the challenges of finding temporary housing, replacing basic necessities and trying to rebuild their lives, they could use the support of the community.

Two funds have been established to assist the family - an account at F&M Bank in Okarche and a GoFundMe account.

As the family begins to face the challenges ahead, Hope expressed her appreciation for the support the family has received and her family’s determination to get through this tragedy in the following Facebook post: “Yesterday was the first day to recovery. We sifted through ashes trying to find trac- es of what might be left of the things we loved, we buried two very loved pets that didn’t have a chance to get out.

“We tried to piece together answers only to find ourselves with more questions we may never know the answers to. The what-ifs and how-comes just keep coming.

“We are so grateful for every person that has stepped up to help, everyone that has shared our story and every prayer that has been placed on our family!

“We will get through this, we will grow from this and we will not backslide or give up our faith because we know, as hard as this is, it’s part of our story God has designed for us.

“We love and appreciate every one of y’all!”