Great-Grandmother Shields Toddler as Tornado Destroys Home

Photo Credit: WSBTGORDON COUNTY, Ga. — Cleanup efforts are under way in north Georgia after the area was hit by at least one deadly tornado.

Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in Gordon and Bartow counties, where a man was killed by a fallen tree, up to 100 homes were damaged and 17 injuries were reported. The state insurance commissioner estimates damage losses at $75 million.

Among the injured is 2-year-old Zane McFarland. The boy is recovering Thursday as his 80-year-old great grandmother undergoes surgery for injuries suffered when a tornado destroyed their Gordon County home.

The senior, Betty Stewart, is being hailed as a hero after she covered Zane in a quilt, then shielded his body with her own as the wind swept their home off its foundation and demolished it against two nearby trees.

“She fought a tornado, and she won,” said nephew Kenneth Hayes.

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