LIMESTONE COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -
The tornado that devastated Phil Campbell stayed on the ground for miles hitting the western side of Limestone County.
Homes were leveled and lives were lost on Chipmunk Way.
Friday, survivors gathered at a remembrance ceremony in Athens.
Sue Eady lost her home and was critically injured in the storm.
Her physical wounds are mending, but her heart still hurts. Her granddaughter that was with her that day didn't make it out alive.
"Most horrible day of my life. My sister called me, tells me I've got six minutes to take cover. I said, ‘I don't have anything. It's here.' It's the last thing I remember. I was knocked unconscious thrown 150 to 200 yards. I don't know what time it was when I came to. I was in a big pile of debris screaming, ‘Help me! I'm going to lose my leg.' My right leg was cut almost off," said Eady.
Eady said she started screaming to find her granddaughter, Shannon Sampson. Rescue workers found Sampson's body. She was killed while trying to get to safety. A white cross marks the spot where Shannon was found.
She lived with Eady on Chipmunk Way.
"She had a beautiful smile on her face all the time. She loved everybody. She lived life to the fullest every day," said Eady.
Sampson's name will be engraved on a monument to remember those who have died from tornadoes in Limestone County.
On the anniversary of Shannon's death, Eady wore a shirt with her picture on the front and something special around her neck.
"This tear drop has some of her ashes in it," said Eady.
Steve Wales was Eady's neighbor. He used his truck to haul Eady out of the rubble.
The two met up for the first time since the storm.
"I love him. God bless him. Thank you for everything you did," said Eady.
"I'd do it again if I had to," said storm survivor Steve Wales.
Eady has undergone eight surgeries on her leg.
She did not build back on Chipmunk Way. She's living in an apartment in Madison.
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Sue Eady lost her home and her granddaughter in the April 27 storms.
FOX19-WXIX
