Higbee women hailed as local hero
The Higbee community is commending one resident’s actions after she helped twice during times of tragedy.
The small, normally quiet community has been hit with three tragedies in just one week and now the town wants to thank one local woman who went above and beyond to help.
“It’s heartbreaking with the train, the fire, and fatal crash,” said resident Denny Price. “The community is really in shock.”
Residents say Dora Redifer is being hailed as a local hero for helping at two of three recent tragedies in Higbee. They say her actions in those incidents may have saved the lives of two women.
Redifer was able to help Teresa Beal when she was injured in a train versus car crash, and Connie Hunt, who was burned after he husband reportedly set her and her home on fire.
Redifer held Beal’s head and kept her conscious after she was ejected from her car when it hit a train.
She also wrapped Hunt in cold, wet towels after the flames on Hunt’s body were extinguished.
However, she was known around town far before helping at the incidents.
“She’s always there when you need her, it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, she’ll help anybody,” said Price.
Redifer volunteers at the local VFW and is a secretary of the Higbee Community Betterment Association (HCBA).
Neighbors told ABC 17 News she is known to take anyone in if they need a place to stay and would give the clothes off her back if needed.
Redifer declined to be on camera, saying she did not need any recognition and that she was just happy she was there to help.
Price, who is the president of the HCBA, says the entire community will try to help.
“Higbee’s a tight community, they always come together,” Price said. “I know there are several people taking care of the house and they’re also working on a benefit for [Redifer].”
Both of the women Redifer helped are improving each day, but have a long road to recovery. Donations for Beal and Hunt are being collected at the VFW hall in Higbee.
