Hurricane Ida damage headstones and vaults at Rocky Hill Cemetery

Damaged Vault
Rocky Hill Cemetery
Photo Credit:  Dr. Antoinette Harrell

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, I visited Rocky Hill Cemetery. There is a cemetery there where my maternal 3rd great-grandparents Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson are buried. Both lived their entire lives in St. Helena Parish. I have visited the cemetery for decades to record the inscriptions on the headstones. It is  easy for me to recall driving down the gravel road to the church where they both worshipped. Many of the surnames in the cemetery are familiar to me. Tanner, Vining, Richardson, Chaney, Jackson, Glaspy, Self, Bush, Porters, Johnsons, Hurst, just to name a few. 

The cemetery was damaged by several trees that fell on graves. There were some graves that were seriously damaged. Several headstones lie broken on the ground with large holes. Hopefully, the headstones and vault can be repaired. Otherwise, these monuments will disappear forever. If you have family buried in Rocky Hill Cemetery, you may want to visit the cemetery to check on their graves.

We should rethink planting trees in cemeteries and cutting them down before they become unmanageable. It is also imperative to consider the roots and the damage they can cause. There is no doubt that such repairs can be costly. Since COVID-19, headstone prices have increased significantly.   The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages. It would be great if you could visit the cemetery.  The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages.

The grave of Willie Richardson
Rocky Hill Cemetery, St. Helena Parish
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell