Recorder of Deeds Marks One Year of Recovery Support Following May 16 Tornado

One Year Later: Recorder of Deeds Office Reflects on Tornado Recovery and Continued Service

St. Louis, Mo. — May 14, 2026 — One year after the devastating May 16, 2025, tornado, the City of St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Office is reflecting on a year of urgent response, steady service and continued support for residents still rebuilding their lives.

In the days and months after the storm, the office helped more than 1,000 individuals and families obtain critical vital records. Staff also volunteered, donated money, personal effects and food, including canned goods and boxed items, to support recovery efforts. The office also strengthened fraud-prevention protocols in tornado-impacted areas.

What began as an emergency response has remained a sustained commitment to accessible service. Staff continue helping residents replace lost documents, safeguard property rights and move through recovery with dignity.

In the aftermath of the tornado, the Recorder of Deeds Office moved quickly to help residents obtain essential documents, including birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and copies of deeds. Because many residents lost identification and personal records in the storm, the office adopted flexible procedures so impacted residents could use alternative forms of identification and would not be turned away when seeking the records they needed most.

The office also directed staff at the Recorder’s Assistance Center to approach residents with empathy, flexibility and care, especially those in the hardest-hit neighborhoods. Staff members supported the community far beyond their normal duties, volunteering at resource events, distributing food and water, assembling survival kits and attending neighborhood outreach efforts.

“In this time of recovery, our office remains committed to supporting the people and families of St. Louis,” said Recorder Michael Butler. “We understand that many in our community lost not just their homes, but also the documents they need to rebuild their lives. I have directed my staff to be diligent and compassionate in providing these documents so that no one is denied the help they deserve.”

“I am extremely proud of our response to the May 16, 2025, tornado crisis,” said Recorder Manager Patty Ellison-Brown. “This office and its team responded both professionally and at the personal levels.”

Aunya’ Hall, Vitals Supervisor for the St. Louis City RAC, said the experience showed how important it is to show up for one another.

“It’s been almost a year since our community experienced the devastating tornado that changed so many lives. Experiencing that taught me how close to home things can really get, and it showed me that when you have the right support, you can truly change a situation for the better. I felt horrible for everyone affected by the tornado, but as Supervisor of the Vitals Department, I also felt grateful to be in a position to help our community at no cost during such a difficult time. Even through the loss, fear and uncertainty, we continued to stand together, support one another and rebuild with hope and resilience. Through it all, we continue our commitment to God, keeping our faith strong as we move forward together as a community.”

Tim Person, human resources manager, said staff members were eager to help in any way they could.

“I spent close to $250 on food for tornado victims. I worked the South Side Wellness Fair with Beverly and Tara, and I volunteered at several locations in Wards 11 and 12, handing out food and water and assembling survival kits during and after work hours. I also volunteered at St. James Chapel AME Church assembling kits for tornado victims.”

RAC Supervisor Kim Joiner said serving the community left a lasting impression.

“Helping the tornado victims was a humbling experience and a reminder that we never know when life might take a drastic turn. It was an honor to serve the community both in my personal time and alongside my coworkers. I am grateful that I could help bring hope to those in need and play a part in restoring faith in humanity through service.”

Joiner also noted additional outreach efforts by Recorder’s Office staff.

“Maria, Tonya and I served at the O’Fallon Rec Center, assisting victims in recovering or obtaining the records necessary to move forward. Theresa and I participated in the Wellston Loop ID clinic, issuing records to help community members prepare to rebuild their lives.”

To further protect residents during this vulnerable period, the office also enhanced safeguards for walk-in land deed transactions. Under the updated procedure, both the property owner and the recipient must be present with identification, adding another layer of protection against unauthorized transactions. Residents are also encouraged to enroll in the free Property Fraud Alert program for early detection of suspicious activity.

One year later, the Recorder of Deeds Office remains focused on helping residents recover, protecting what matters most and serving St. Louis with compassion, security and care.