39 years. That’s how long Annie Tolbert’s cremated remains have been in storage on a shelf, unclaimed by family members.
Her remains, and those of nearly 160 other people, have remained in boxes, waiting for someone to take an interest. And now, thanks to the efforts of the Clerk’s, Attorneys, and Coroners Offices and the Parks & Beautification Department, they have all found their final resting place in Historic Rose Hill Cemetery.
“We are here to give them the honor and dignity every human soul deserves as we lay them to rest,” said Executive Director of Community Affairs Reverend Dr. Henry Ficklin. “Despite us not knowing them, they may have walked among us.”
“This event is very dear to me, and I may start crying,” said Kittie Cosper, Archive and Records Center Manager. “These have been stored on shelves for many, many years, but today we are going to scatter them on God’s ground.”
“When I was approached about this, it was immediately something I was excited about because everybody deserves a respectable way of being laid to rest,” said Parks & Beautification Director Michael Glisson, whose department created the Scatter Garden using cobblestones from the renovation of Cotton Avenue Plaza. “Out of everything I’ve done with Macon-Bibb, this is probably the most meaningful and one that touched me the most.”
“This has been a meaningful project for everyone in Macon-Bibb County,” said Senior Assistant County Attorney Michael McNeill. “This shows that everyone in Macon-Bibb County has meaning and has dignity and has purpose for us, and that we should respect all of them.”
“They will have the same respect and dignity shown other people laid to rest here in beautiful Historic Rose Hill Cemetery,” added Cosper. “This truly show the caring side of our community, to take care of people whether they are with us or not, to make sure they are loved and cared for, even in their final resting place.”
“This has been a long time coming,” said Coroner Leon Jones. “Any way you look at it, these were someone’s loved ones.”
Following words by all involved and a prayer led by Dr. Ficklin, gathered clergy, community members, and Macon-Bibb staff spread the ashes throughout the garden while local musician Charles Davis sang “Amazing Grace.”
The ashes could be scattered after Macon-Bibb announced its intentions and the list of names in ads in The Telegraph and through media coverage, giving family members another chance to come forward and claim the remains. Seven of the cremated remains were claimed and picked up by family members.
39 years. After nearly four decades, Annie Tolbert was laid to rest with respect and dignity, along with 160 more people we’ve lost over the years.
