MARIANNA — One of the four women who died in a New Year’s Day house fire had rushed back into the burning home attempting to save the people trapped inside, her brother said Thursday.
Cynthia Pete, 46, had escaped the blaze that engulfed the home on Jackson Street around 8 a.m. Wednesday before she went back inside, said Robert Pete, her brother. Cynthia Pete was one of four women who died in the fire, he said.
Marianna Police still are investigating and have not released any details, including the names of the dead, but Robert Pete identified them as Gertrude Pete, his mother; Sarah Johnson and Ruth Pete, who was often called Elis.
Six children and three other adults escaped the house, where the family lived for about 15 years, said Ruth Byrd, Cynthia Pete’s sister. The remaining members of what Robert Pete described as a very large extended family gathered in a temporary residence across town, where they were accepting visitors and donations of food, clothing and toys for the numerous children.
Despite the tragic loss, Robert Pete was in remarkably good spirits, which he attributed to the grace of God.
“We appreciate everybody who has donated, whether it was a phone call, monetary or prayers,” Robert Pete said. “God says ‘What you do unto others you have done unto me,’ so God is grateful for what’s been done for this family.”
Celeste Myrick works part time at the Sweet Stuff Bakery across the street. She said she arrived to work Wednesday just after fire crews had extinguished the flames.
“I’ve never seen nothing like it in my life,” Myrick said.
Gertrude Pete and Johnson would spend a lot of time outside the home on the porch, Myrick said. Their presence comforted Myrick when she was out alone after dark in a neighborhood she said is not the best. Myrick brought the family some food Thursday.
Cheryl Holmes isn’t a relative by blood, but she’s family nonetheless. Gertrude Pete raised Holmes after her mother became too ill, she said.
“Gertrude was known as a community mom. She raised a lot of us,” said Holmes. “She blessed this city; everywhere you look you can see some Miss Gertrude.”
Everything in the home was destroyed, Robert Pete said.
The family has received assistance from the American Red Cross, Robert Pete said, and an account has been set up to help as well. Donations to the Pete Family Fire Fund can be made at Regions Bank.