By Marla Jones

Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala.--Since March of 2020, we have prayed for and mourned the loss of many victims of COVID-19. On Saturday, Southern Torch was honored to celebrate the Homecoming of Kent Wilborn. 

Kent Wilborn and his wife of 33 years, Terri, both became sick with COVID the first week of May 2021. Kent’s case of covid was severe and after several doctor visits, Kent was carried to Huntsville Hospital.  While at the hospital, the family was advised that his chance of survival was very slim. 

Wilborn was transported to Vanderbilt in Nashville for further medical treatment. On day six of his stay at Vanderbilt, he was intubated.  

While Terri recovered, all phone calls were directed to their daughters, Teryn and Kendra. They never missed a call to receive the latest information. The daughters would update friends and family of Kent’s condition via Facebook Live. 

Wilborn serves as the Pastor of Mount Olive Church. His congregation hosted a prayer vigil outside his home and a blood drive in his honor. 

During his hospital stay, Wilborn coded, suffered septic shock two times, and had two light strokes. The outlook looked very slim for Kent, but God had a different plan for Kent.  

On Saturday, after 132 days in the hospital, 64 days on a ventilator, and given a 1% chance of survival, the Town of Sylvania welcomed Kent Wilborn home with a parade.

Traffic was shut down on Highway 75 in Sylvania on Saturday. Drones flew from above and Southern Torch was live on Facebook to film the parade. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, local police departments, firefighters, and first responders from Sylvania and neighboring towns were all present. As friends and family made their way past Wilborn, with signs and balloons, they expressed their love for him and his family. Wilborn thanked everyone that came by and told them he loved them.  

Former Sylvania Mayor, Claude Callaham, stated of Wilborn’s survival, “We may never see a miracle of this magnitude again in our lifetime.”

Wilborn’s return home gave hope to all that attended the parade. His recovery is a testimony, and we are sure will bless all who hear.  Welcome home, Kent!