My loves!

Here is why...

Gone But Not Forgotten

In the course of doing family history research there are always times when you have to step away for a while for history to resurface. When this happens, the effect is mind-blowing. My grandmother's mother, Ida Finley Rivers, died in Beaufort, SC when my grandmother was 13 years old. From that time my grandmother, Rosalie, was raised by her grand aunt Janie Finley. My grandmother lived in Beaufort for many years following and her sister, Juanita, the later half of her life. Somehow, these only children of Ida were never informed of where their mother was buried. My grandmother lived to the age of 94 and had not a clue. Her sister, Juanita, lived to 82 years. She also had no clue. 

A few days ago, I found this picture. It is the headstone of Ida Finley Rivers. Ida Finley is my great grandmother. She is interred at Citizen's Cemetery in Beaufort, SC. Coincidentally enough, my grandmother and grand aunt have been to this cemetery. They both attended the funeral and burial of their childhood friend, Georgia Mae Pigler, who is buried in this same cemetery. To think, Rosalie and Juanita stood in the cemetery where their mother was buried, with no idea that she was there, is chilling. This is why I love family history. With all the stories told and the memories traveling through the voices of the younger, this will never end. Ida Finley will continue to be apart of the conversation. She is not lost. She is "Gone But Not Forgotten".


Thank you to Kay Ogle, a contributor to Findagrave.com., for the work you do documenting the headstones in these forgotten cemeteries. Your photo means so much to my family

In a few days the family will be celebrating the 99th birthday of my grandmother Rosalie Deekles Smith. We will be engaged in what is called a "low country boil", a meal that represents the threads that entwine to form our family fabric. See, my grandmother was a Geechee girl. Born in Savannah, GA and raised in Beaufort, SC, Rosa Lee (she changed it to Rosalie) was the beholder of strength and substance in our family. As we eat out of our pot filled with crabs, shrimp, potatoes, smoked sausage (turkey), & corn flavored with that special seasoning we will be remembering the beautiful times we shared with our Rosalie. We will be calling upon those that we only know by name and spirit to continue to adjust our lives and help us maintain the family bond that we share. Happy Birthday Rosa! Thanks to you we have a reason to come together with joy in our hearts.