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Lightning Strike Death: Remembering Dawn Yoder
July 9, 2009
Friends and family members are remembering Dawn Yoder, 51, of Atmore who died Wednesday morning, about 48 hours after she was hit by lightning at the Yoder family home while she was taking out the trash.
They are celebrating her life, and the fact that she will provide life after her death — the family decided to donate her organs so that others might live.
Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 9 p.m. at Mennonite Christian Fellowship in Atmore. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the First Assembly of God in Atmore. Funeral services will be streamed live on the Internet at www.streamflood.net.
The family issued the following statement about the death of Dawn Yoder, wife of Atmore doctor Jon Yoder.
Dawn, our amazing mother, wife, daughter has been declared brain dead by 2 doctors, with her EEG showing no activity. We believe that she entered heaven instantaneously 2 days ago, but we are now as a family turning her body over to the organ donation center of Alabama, so that she may share her life with others. That is typical of the life she lived, and it is so much like her. We will miss her, but we know she is in God’s protective care, and we want to praise Him for his faithfulness.
I write with this tears in my eyes, but with joy in my heart as Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints.
And she definitely received “Well done, thou faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord. She is free at last!
Jon, Robert, Kristin, Amber, and Stephen and all the family
Dawn Yoder was apparently struck by lightning outside of her home Monday morning. LifeFlight was called to the scene but was unable to respond due to weather. She was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital and then later transferred to Springhill Hospital in Mobile. She had been in a coma during her time at Springhill Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, family members ask that donations be made to Atmore Christian School.
Comments
68 Responses to “Lightning Strike Death: Remembering Dawn Yoder”
My heart goes out to Dr. Yoder and his family.
‘The Lord gives strength to his people: the Lord blesses His people with strength.’
PSALM 29:11
.
I hurt and ache for Dr. Yoder and his family. I hurt and ache for us who lost her and will not have her here for us at the Meadows. Memories pass from generation to generation. I have been told stories already that happened “a time ago” that I did not know before. I await many more. They heal and bind us together. The hundreds and hundreds who poured out their hearts for her let Dr. Yoder know that his work as a Physician was a true calling of God.
Sam and I want to extend out deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jon and family,
I’m so grateful Dave and I could be there at the service..I listened again to the service last night… the songs, Scripture, thoughts were a blessing. Thanks for taking time to speak to us Saturday AM. I hope you’ll be able to get rest for your body and soul in the days ahead.
LIFE IS ETERNAL
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then some one at my side says, “There! She’s gone.”
Gone where? Gone from my sight- that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There! She’s gone”, there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “There she comes!”
I know Dawn was welcomed with Glad Shouts of Joy in Heaven where there’ll be no lightning strikes, no tears, no death.
Bless you, cousin.
Ilva
Dear Jon and family,
I can’t tell you how many people with whom I’ve shared the story who have expressed their sorrow over Dawn’s life and tragic death.
I’ve thought a lot about a book Paul Nisly wrote over a decade ago, “Sweeping up The Heart” (Good Books) which describes his difficult journey through grief following the death of his only daughter, just graduated with her nursing degree and killed in a head on collision.
The title of the book comes from a poem by Emily Dickinson I also thought about after hearing about Dawn’s death:
The bustle in a house
The morning after death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon earth,–
The sweeping up the heart,
And putting love away
We shall not want to use again
Until eternity.
May God hold you in his healing embrace,
Harvey Yoder
Harrrisonburg, VA
MRS. YODER WAS A FINE YOUNG LADY AND WILL BE SURELY MISSED. THEY ART TO NAME THAT STREET AFTER HER AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED. I MET MRS. YODER LONG TIME AGO AND WHEN I MET HER I SAID NOW THERE IS A GODLY CHRISTIAN LADY AND VARY SWEET LADY AT THAT. EVERY TIME I SPOKE TO MRS. YODER SHE WAS ALWAYS SUPER NICE TO ME. GOD BLESS YOU DR. YODER AND YOU FAMILY. I WAS PROUD TO SEE THAT THE CHURCH WHERE YA;LL HAD THE FUNERAL WAS PACKED OUT. WHAT A WAY TO CELEBRATE A FINE YOUNG LADY’S LIFE. I KNOW MRS. YODER WOULD BE PROUD.
What a testimonial comment by Dr Yoder, even in his most heartstriken grief, he praises the Lord for the Life of his wife, just as she would have wanted. May god walk with you all through this sad time and allow you to focus on the day you will see her again
My Family would like to send out our Prayers to the Yoder Family. May God Bless you all in this time of Sorrow.
i feel sorry
Ah, Jonathan. I remember hot summer days in Delaware, growing up as cousins, and the many, many good times. You spent your summers reading encyclopedias and ingesting as much knowlege as you could. None of us were surprised when you grew up to become a doctor. What we could always count on was your gentle smile, your wit that always made us laugh and never cut, and FAITH — faith that saw you through incredible tragedy when your two younger brothers died in a terrible accident on a Pennsylvania road one Sunday afternoon in April, 1977. Faith that has helped you make decisions and carried you through so many hard times, and the faith that is even now, showing us the way as you’ve made us think about the unthinkable, shown us that God is a present help in time of trouble, that He is to be trusted when it feels like our very world is being shaken. I cannot be there tomorrow, but my heart will be. And while we mourn the passing of an incredible, wonderful, amazing, Godly woman who loved you with all her being, we will also praise the Heavenly Father who has given us the hope of the resurrection, the promise that she is, even now in His presence, and who loved us enough to give us the perfect plan of Salvation so that we KNOW we shall see her again. Blessings, Dear Cousin. You will always see a part of her in those precious children, and the light of her love will be a guide to all of you. May the Hands of the Father hold you steady in these days of grief. Thinking of you all with Love, Mary Ann Yutzy
If only I were like Soloman, Endowed with knowledge so I were able to say some words of Wisdom That would really amount to some comforting comments that might bring some comfort to the Yoder family.
Since I am not that kind of man with comforting words–Let me just say that my Heart and my mind have been lifted as I read some words from Jon showing the relationship he has with the Heavenly Father.
I know that God told Dawn –(WELL DONE)–And at the same time he was telling her Husband Jon–MY SON YOU HAVE DONE WELL ALSO–Keep up the good work.–We will talk more later.
Dear Jon, Robert, Kristin, Amber, and Stephen,
When we think of Dawn we think of purity, gentleness, self-giving devotion to her husband and children, one with deep appreciation for all of God’s creation, sensitivity to the needs of others, a servant heart expressed in so many ways, a lover of her church, and above all else a total surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord.
We thank God that he brought her into our lives. Her memory will bless, inspire and challenge us for as long as we live.
We pray that you will have an acute awareness of God’s all encompassing love and sustaining grace in this time of pain and grief.
With love and prayers,
Charles and Frances
Dr. Yoder, We are praying for your family and know that it will not be easy but God will help you through this tough time.
We are praying
DR. Yoder,
You and your wife have been such a blessing to so many in this town. Your Kindness to us will not be forgotten. We LOVE you and are praying for you and your family knowing that He is able to comfort you as no other–even when there seems to be no answers. HE is always good and sustains us with His abundant grace through all. Dawn was such a special person, always radiating kindness, and will be missed by so many, but I know she has entered into His Presence and and has heard those coveted words from our Jesus “Well done thy faithful servant”.
I WAS VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF DAWN’S ACCIDENT AND HER DEATH.
GOD BLESS YOU, DR. YODER, AND YOUR FAMILY.
Our thoughts and prayer are with you.
SHOCKED! We still haven’t gotten over the shock. We did not hear about it until Wednesday evening and have now finally found some information about it. Our prayers go out for you Doctor Yoder and the whole family. May God comfort you during your time of grief and may His mercy be upon you throughout this terrible ordeal. God bless all of you.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Yoders. We cannot imagine what you are going through; your comfort must be in knowing that Dawn is now rejoicing with her Creator, and He with her. She is an amazing virtuous woman & will be greatly rewarded in Heaven! Please know that we are ready to help your family in any way possible. God bless the Yoders! Love,
Ryan, Jenisa & Zander
God’s peace and blessings on the Mrs. Yoder’s family and friends. She leaves quite a legacy behind.
DR. YODER,
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. I SAW DAWN MANY TIMES WHEN I WAS IN THE OFFICE DRAWING PATIENTS FOR YOU AND SHE ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD AND A BIG SMILE. BUT THAT DIDN’T SURPRISE ME, I REMEMBER THAT WAS THE WAY SHE WAS WHEN I USE TO GO TO YOUR CHURCH YEARS AGO. I DON’T THINK SHE REALLY RECOGNIZED ME FROM SEEING ME THERE BECAUSE IT WAS SO LONG AGO, BUT I KNOW SHE KNEW ME FROM SOMEWHERE, BUT I WAS TOO BUSY DRAWING PATIENTS TO TALK TO HER ABOUT IT. EVEN IF I HAD NEVER SAW HER BEFORE AND SAW HER ON THE STREET, I’M SURE SHE WOULD STILL HAVE A KIND WORD AND A BIG SMILE, THAT WAS JUST THE WAY SHE WAS. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. GOD BLESS!
Dr. Yoder,
Our prayers are with you and your family. Even though I had never met your wife I felt as though I knew both of you through Miranda and Ryan. Thank you for your knndness and all you have done for Miranda. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for you loss and will continue to keep you all in our prayers.
Dear Dr. Yoder and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the awesome presence of God comfort you and rest continually upon you and your family. Precious in the sight of God are the death of his saints.
Kristin, we remember well meeting your parents when we picked you up to go to Rosedale. Our hearts are with you.
We the Williams family are praying for the Yoder family. May God bless and keep you all. Look up to Jesus for he cares for you.
Bishop Willie L Williams
& Family
Because HE lives we can face tomorrow, Because, we know HE holds our future life is worth the living just because HE lives.
God bless and keep you now.
David and Jina Gardner
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We are so saden by the lost of your wife. May the Lord be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
God Bless you,
April, Amber, Ashleigh Austin
Joyce Williams
God bless this family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Yoder family through and beyond this difficult time. Mrs. Yoder was truly a sweetheart and will be missed. May God bless you all.
In Christian Love,
Ryan and Miranda Nolen
I do not understand why things happen as they do. i realize there are many things that only God can understand the reasons why. I know that my prayers will be for peace and understanding for Dr. Yoder and his family. My God keep and bless you and reveal to you the peace and understanding that you need. I think none of us understand this tragedy but with God’s help i am sure it will come.
Dawn Yoder was one of the most precious ladies I have ever came in contact with. I worked with Dr.Yoder for six years and have never been treated better by a boss and his wife. She was a Godly wife and mother and touched my life so many times; just being there for me, during hard times in my life. I loved her so…..much! I will pray for Dr. Yoder and the children daily; this family will always hold a special place in my heart. I have many cards Dawn has given me through the years….I will now read these cards and remember our special friendship. My plan is to stay close to the Lord and see my sweet friend again.
In Loving Memory,
Paul, Samantha K. and Ethan Howell
I worked with the doc at atmore hospital a few month’
my prayer’s are with him and his family in this difficult time.
We are so saddened to hear this. You guys will always be special to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dawn said a prayer for us when I found out I was pregnant with Caitlin that I will never forget. Afterwards I felt a peace that everything would be ok, because I knew, if God heard prayers that he heard that one. Her smile will always be remembered.
Rodney, Melissa
Caitlin and Emily Knight
Our hearts are truely saddened by this sorrowed news. Dr Yoder has always been a great doctor and always there for our family. I had only met Dawn a few times and everytime she had such a wonderful smile to share with us. I had talked to their daughter a few times also, and the same kindness was always given. This entire family always touched you with their smiles. Our family sends prayers to this family in their time of such great traumatic lose. She is now a most beautiful angel.
Praying for the family during this gut-wrenching time.
He never leaves or forsakes.
We pray that Gods peace and love surround you during this time. And the days to come. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
She will be missed.
Don and Erica
Dr. Yoder and family:
You are in our prayers. My family has always and continues to love you. We know how much you love this town. I know that you are strong in your faith and from reading your emails over the last two days, you know where your strength will come from to get you through this difficult time.
Love,
Eddie and Edie Jackson and family
Eddie and Mary Tullis and family
my heart aches for Dr. Yoder and his family…
My heart goes out to the Yoder family. All things happen for a reason though we may not understand why. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers and may God be with you through this difficult time.
Please let me know how Dawn Yoder is doing. Would someone please write in.
Know that Grady and I are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers at this trying time. God will keep you and your family in the palm of his hands as you go through all of this. God bless you all.
you and dawn are in our prayers….we love you and your family and hope for the best for dawn……we will keep everyone of you in our daily prayers
our thought and prayers go out to you and your family, may god watch over you and your family……
Our prayers are with your family..May God come in and touch Dawn and heal her body..Prayers continue everyday for your family…
To the Yoder Family: We love you so much. Dr.Yoder is such a blessing to our family and our town. You are all constantly in our prayers. May God be with you.
We know that all things happen for a reason, though we don’t always understand the reason why. Just remember that God is in control. And we are all prayin for yall. We pray that a great testimony comes from all of this. Lots of Love!
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND AND GIVE YOU COMFORT AND PEACE THAT NONE OTHER IS ABLE TO DO.WE ARE PRAYING!
WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE KNEW HOW MRS.YODER IS DOING AS OF TODAY? MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR DR.YODER AND HIS FAMILY AND FOR THE HEALING OF MRS.YODER. MAY GOD BLESS DR.YODER AND HIS FAMILY. I JUST WANT TO SAY I AM SO SORRY THIS HAPPENED TO SUCH A WONDERFULL FAMILY AND I AM PRAYING VERY HARD FOR THE HEALING OF MRS.YODER.
Just know that many prayers are going out for you.
We are praying for God’s healing hand to move in Mrs. Yoders body. Praying for all of you.
We are praying along with so many others! Your family is such a blessing to this town, Yoders. We are praying and believing for Mrs. Yoder’s complete recovery here on this earth. We are also praying for Jesus to be right there with you all as you go through this. We love y’all.
My family’s prayer is that God will provide healing for Dawn and grace for the family as they make adjustments necessitated by Dawn’s injury.
Prayers to all. We hope and pray she recovers quickly. Dr Yoder and his wife are two of the greatest people. We will certainly keep her in our thoughts. We’re just stunned that it happened. And we will be praying for the family.
continuing to pray as are others here in pa! may God hold you tenderly in His hands during this time of uncertainty.
Our prayers and love to the entire Yoder family. Robert Yoder, their son, is my childrens favorite teacher and they are thinking of you. Prayers for healing and comfort.
I am a member of Calvary Baptist Church and our Church is praying for ya’ll. Calvary is a praying Church and we are all praying for you. God Bless ya’ll and Mrs Yoder may you get to feeling better soon.
Dawn and Jon,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO DR.YODER’S WIFE AND FAMILY, MAY GOD KEEP YOU ALL SAFE AND I HOPE AND PRAY MRS.YODER MAKES IT THROUGH THIS HORRIBLE TRAGEDY!
My prayers are with the Yoder family. God Blees you all !
We will join in pray trusting God and asking for healing for Dawn and comfort an peace for the family.
I join others as we pray for Dawn and for God’s miracle in her life.
I know that God keeps your family in the palm of his hand.
Were praying for you. Know that God is right there with you You have a community that loves you and you’re family and we are all praying.
I was stunned to hear of this, but I know miraculous recovery from lightening strikes do happen and I am praying for just that. My prayers will continue for Dawn as wellas. for Jon and the family
I was stunned to hear of this but know that sometimes miraculous recovery from lightening strikes do happen and I’m praying for just that.. My prayers will continue for Dawn and for Jon and the family.
We are praying …
a lot of people are praying