Charleston County Coroner and State Rep. Explore Damage at Monrovia Cemetery
In Charleston, S.C., County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal and State Rep. Wendell Gilliard took to the Monrovia Cemetery on Oceanic Street to observe the damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Debby.
“This is Sacred Ground”
Describing the cemetery as “sacred ground,” the two officials were visibly concerned about the state in which they found the burial site. The storm damage has unearthed previously hidden issues affecting the sacred burial ground. The cemetery hosts several loosely attended graves and plots that have been suffering under neglect, offering an unsettling sight to the eyes of those who paid a visit to their dearly departed.
A Long-Standing Problem
Gilliard mentioned that the condition of the cemetery has been on his radar for quite some time. “It’s an issue that dates back to a year and a half ago,” Gilliard said. “Family members initially brought the problem to my attention, and following some research, it becomes evident that it’s far from confined to Charleston but is a pressing issue across the entire state of South Carolina.”
Unnerving Findings
During their visit, Gilliard and O’Neal observed a casket protruding from the ground, revealing that a particular coffin had been unearthed for an extended period. Amongst the other headstones and graves hidden beneath overgrown grass, damage was evident, further intruding on the resting places of the departed. The significant decay and lack of caretaking raise the question, who is responsible for these sacred grounds?
The Saga of Accountability
According to O’Neal, identifying who’s accountable for the cemetery’s upkeep has proven a significant obstacle. “It’s hard to find people who are accountable,” says O’Neal. A contact number, likely belonging to the property manager, is displayed on the site. A man corresponding to the same number claims that he is not in charge and that the previous property manager resigned roughly two years ago. He also mentioned that attempts were being made to assemble a team to maintain the graves, but their efforts are yet in the pipeline.
Moving Forward
In light of their visit, both Gilliard and O’Neal have pledged to raise awareness about this pressing issue, highlighting that it’s not restricted to Monrovia Cemetery but is indicative of a nationwide problem. As O’Neal puts it, “The manner in which we care for those we lose is indicative of who we are as a community and society.”
