Sunday memorial marks anniversary of deadly tornado in north Autauga County | Community Spirit

            Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Jim Byard Jr. will join northern Autauga county residents on Sunday to mark the one-year anniversary of a deadly tornado outbreak that struck the area on April 15, 2011. The memorial service, organized by the Autauga County Baptist Association, will take place at 6 p.m. at Marbury High School.

            The most severe tornado hit the Boone’s Chapel community on the night of April 15, killing three people and severely damaging Boone’s Chapel Baptist Church. Additionally, at least 50 homes and one business were significantly damaged or destroyed, according to the National Weather Service. The church is in the process of rebuilding.

            ADECA is providing technical support and assistance to communities across Alabama that sustained heavy damage from tornadoes that struck the state last spring. The department’s Long-Term Community Recovery unit is leading state government efforts to aid communities as they rebuild. Rocky Milliman, coordinator of the LTCR unit, also will attend the memorial service.

What:  Memorial service marking first anniversary of the deadly Boone’s Chapel tornado and other tornadoes that struck northern Autauga County on April 15, 2011

When:   6 p.m., Sunday, April 15

Where:  Marbury High School, 2360 Highway 31 N., Deatsville, 36022