'It is just something we should do': Pauper burial held for Aiken County residents

Oct. 28—As the song "Amazing Grace" played in the background, the Aiken County community came together to pay their respects to 14 Aiken County residents during a pauper burial service.

The Aiken County Coroner's Office had its annual service Friday morning at the Graniteville Cemetery for people who had died and remained unclaimed or relatives didn't have the financial means to pay for funeral arrangements.

Music was provided by the Aiken County Sheriff Office's Pipes and Drums and minster Keith Glover gave the message for the ceremony which focused on trusting in God even during the most difficult times like losing a loved one.

Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables said the annual ceremonies are for people who have died, but their body is unclaimed, a family can't afford to pay for funeral arrangements, and for those who have lost contact with their family. If any of those reasons are the case, Ables said it is the role of the coroner's office to provide a final disposition.

"We like to show how much we care by having a proper and dignified final deposition," he said.

Aiken resident Richard Garcia has been coming to the event for many years as a way for him to pay his respects because each person has a story.

"These people that are here being buried today, they were someone's mother, dad, brother and sister," he said. "It is just something we should do."

He didn't know anyone who died, but he comes because it is a good community event.

"Even though I don't know them, I feel like they should be recognized," Garcia said.

Dana Daily attended to pay her respects to her husband and his brother after she didn't have the financial means to bury them.

"It makes me really happy because I couldn't do it for them," she said. "I am just thankful that there is somebody out here that cares enough."

While looking at the gravestone of her ex-son-in-law Eric Ebert, Malinda Doherty said the ceremony was touching.

"I am very happy, and I am so grateful for this program," she said. "I will be here every year. I am coming back, and I want to help."

She said the ceremony is beautiful, and she was thankful that the community cares.

She said all the people who were being honored deserve a final resting place.

"I am so grateful that people will take time to do this," she said.

Those honored included:

* Thomas Hayes

* James Holden

* Heather Davis Carter

* Patrick Daily

* Eric Ebert

* Deborah Billups

* James Daily

* Stacey Ready

* John Hill

* William Rutland

* Annis Wood

* Virginia Eubanks

* Gary Clark

* Larry White