Memorial service honors parents lost in tragic landslide during Hurricane Helene

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — “It’s the first time I’ve been able to stop.”

There isn’t any of that typical Sunday slowness on an August afternoon in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

The fellowship hall at Victory Baptist Church is full of pictures and people.

“This is one of my favorite pictures of them,” said Bruce Dockery.

The noisy hall is a big contrast to the spot where weeds and grass are growing in Swannanoa.

“It took trees and all,” pointed Bruce. “Straight down the mountain.”

To most, it looks like nothing was ever there.

“That little trickle of water coming off that rock was over four feet deep and 15 feet wide,” said Bruce.

All Bruce can see is what once stood here- who once lived here.

“It takes a second to realize something’s not right,” said Bruce. “I’ll dream I have to explain to Momma that Daddy’s gone. Or I’ll have to explain to Daddy that Momma’s gone, then it clicks in the dream, well, you’re both gone.”

They’ve moved the boulder that hit his parents’ house on September 27, 2024. His mom, Judy, was found buried a few blocks away.

“Right where that V is, that’s where they found Daddy,” said Bruce.

His dad, James, passed away the moment after he learned Judy didn’t make it.

“He was holding on for her. He was hoping to find her- back broke, but he was still trying to get to her,” said Bruce.

James and Judy were just about to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

“Forty-four years,” said Bruce.

For the first time in about a year, Bruce can’t stop the tears he’s held off on crying.

“I miss them. Pause. Usually, I think about something else or just try to go logic- but,” he sighed. “I miss them.”

Every day, he’s thought about his Mom and Dad. But there’s always been too much to do- too much loss.

“I’ve put the memorial off because so many people were having to decide Christmas presents, or shingles on the roof. Or where am I staying tonight?” said Bruce.

So, 11 months after they passed away, Bruce finally held his parents’ memorial service.

“We thank you Lord, that we had such good people,” prayed Bruce.

The kitchen is crowded with food. Conversations overlap in the room. It’s exactly what James and Judy would have wanted.

“This is what Mom and Daddy would have been about,” said Bruce. “They (were) always about feeding and hugging people.”

For the first time in a while, it’s not hurt from Helene but a lifetime of love that’s bringing people together. After going and going, they can finally stop- for just a moment.

“Now it seems like- the waters have settled. And people able to grieve for the first time,” said Bruce.