Fire destroys family's home in River Rouge
RIVER ROUGE, Mich. – A River Rouge mother and her daughter lost everything Sunday when a fire destroyed their home and everything inside.
Shirley Johnson and her daughter raced home from church hoping that their house could be salvaged, but when they arrived there was nothing they could do.
Johnson said she's holding out hope that their cat Jordan managed to escape
It isn't the first heartbreak or challenge the single mother has faced. She's also a breast cancer survivor. She said she lost her cancer and stroke medication in the fire.
The mother and daughter are now left picking up the pieces of what's left of their home.
Johnson said the tragedy hasn't shaken their faith.
An online fund has been created.
Copyright 2016 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Priya Mann headshot
Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism
Dawn Jorgenson headshot
Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.
Man says funeral home voicemail suggested giving him wrong ashes ▶ 3:55
Man says funeral home voicemail suggested giving him wrong ashes
Here's What You Should Know About Delayed Pain ▶ 0:31
Here's What You Should Know About Delayed Pain
You have until Monday,4/27 at 9am to enter for a chance to win a trip for 4 to Martin Co,8 Florida ▶ 1:30
You have until Monday,4/27 at 9am to enter for a chance to win a trip for 4 to Martin Co,8 Florida
Woman warns of missing dog AI scam after losing $200 to fake finder ▶ 0:36
Woman warns of missing dog AI scam after losing $200 to fake finder
What Paige Shiver said about Sherrone Moore ▶ 0:32
What Paige Shiver said about Sherrone Moore
How going back to work could hurt your case ▶ 0:29
How going back to work could hurt your case
Howard Family Bookstore opens with a mission beyond books ▶ 0:30
Howard Family Bookstore opens with a mission beyond books
'I want justice': Detroit vet recounts chaos at Home Depot ▶ 0:57
'I want justice': Detroit vet recounts chaos at Home Depot
Testimony to resume after suspect erupts in court ▶ 1:12
Testimony to resume after suspect erupts in court
Suspect in custody after antisemitic graffiti targets Oak Park synagogue ▶ 2:02
Suspect in custody after antisemitic graffiti targets Oak Park synagogue
Detroit Lions select OT Blake Miller with No. 17 pick ▶ 0:54
Detroit Lions select OT Blake Miller with No. 17 pick
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer ▶ 1:05
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer
Auburn Hills to add nearly 200 parking spaces downtown ▶ 0:51
Auburn Hills to add nearly 200 parking spaces downtown
Star-studded night at Little Caesars Arena for game 2 of playoff series ▶ 0:38
Star-studded night at Little Caesars Arena for game 2 of playoff series
Property tax assistance for Detroit residents ▶ 0:39
Property tax assistance for Detroit residents
Lyme disease cases on the rise in Michigan ▶ 0:48
Lyme disease cases on the rise in Michigan
Feds move medical marijuana to Schedule III: Now what? ▶ 1:13
Feds move medical marijuana to Schedule III: Now what?
Things you should NEVER do after an accident ▶ 1:04
Things you should NEVER do after an accident
Man in Melvindale officer murder trial makes outburst in court ▶ 1:06
Man in Melvindale officer murder trial makes outburst in court
Live in the D reporter April Morton takes Dine in the D on the road ▶ 0:20
Live in the D reporter April Morton takes Dine in the D on the road
Thieves targeting fire hydrants ▶ 1:30
Thieves targeting fire hydrants
Mom pushes for answers in son's killing with increased reward ▶ 2:25
Mom pushes for answers in son's killing with increased reward
J.B. Bickerstaff praises defense as Detroit Pistons roll Magic in Game 2 ▶ 0:29
J.B. Bickerstaff praises defense as Detroit Pistons roll Magic in Game 2
How the Zipper Merge Helps Reduce Traffic ▶ 1:01
How the Zipper Merge Helps Reduce Traffic
Homeowner seeks legal help after years of basement flooding ▶ 0:46
Homeowner seeks legal help after years of basement flooding
Previous photo Next photo