Family recovering after Jeff Davis house fire

Published 12:13 am Sunday, November 16, 2014

Suzanne Cox stands in the remains of her sister, Lisa Jester’s, house Saturday after a fire that started at 2:30 a.m. Jester along with her children Keagan Brown, 12, Kaylie Jester, 7, and niece Jessica Payne, 16, were all home when the fire occurred. All made it out of the house safely. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

Suzanne Cox stands in the remains of her sister, Lisa Jester’s, house Saturday after a fire that started at 2:30 a.m. Jester along with her children Keagan Brown, 12, Kaylie Jester, 7, and niece Jessica Payne, 16, were all home when the fire occurred. All made it out of the house safely. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ A fire on Jeff Davis Boulevard may have taken Lisa Jester’s home, but in return, it showed her the love and kindness of the community.

Natchez Fire Department officials responded to the house fire at approximately 2:30 a.m. on the corner of Jeff Davis Boulevard and Meadow Road Saturday, but no one was injured.

Jester, who lives in the house, was inside with her children Keagan Brown, 12, Kaylie Jester, 8, and niece Jessica Payne, 16, when the fire started.

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NFD Battalion Chief David Williams said two vehicles and an ATV were lost in the fire, which consumed the entire house. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Everyone in the home left without shoes, leaving as quickly as possible.

“I’m thankful to God that He woke Lisa (Jester) up and got those children out of the house,” said Jester’s neighbor Martha Salters.

Salters said Jester got the children out of the home and came to her doorstep, attempting to warn her about the fire.

“They went to the neighbors house and came back screaming at us to get out and move our cars,” Salters said. “Watching what took place was unbelievable.”

Natchez residents Kenny and Tamy Jackson assisted Jester and her family during the fire, while Glenn Mizell helped get Salters and her family out of their home.

Kenny and Tamy Jackson took in Jester and her family, providing clothes and blankets to keep them comfortable.

“We were glad to be able to help,” Tamy said. “Of course, that’s what you do for your fellow neighbor.”

Jester’s father, Leo Joseph Jr., was grateful to Jester’s neighbors for their contributions.

“All we really need is prayers, we got plenty of friends and help,” Joseph said. “Someone was looking after them last night, it wiped everything out, but that can be replaced.”

Joseph arrived to the fire at 2:45 a.m., but the house was not his top priority.

“You really don’t think about your house burning down, you’re wondering where the people you treasure most are.”

Jester is currently with her father and said she and her kids are doing well.

“I’m grateful to have so many good friends and to be able to live in a great community,” Jester said. “I’m just grateful to be alive.”

Residents within the community have voluntary brought Jester’s family clothes and goods following the fire, but all Jester asks for at this time is prayers.