Dear Ms. Turner,
I am a family representative for Patrick Memorial Cemetery on McBride Dr. in
Columbus. I am the oldest daughter of Alfred M. Patrick, III. My second cousin,
Jean Williams Arambula, made a presentation to the City Council at your last
meeting. I learned of this presentation shortly after it was made. Since the
video of the City Council meetings are available on-line for view, I did locate
Jean's presentation. I would appreciate it if you would let Mr. Hugley know
that my cousin misrepresented my family with some of her comments. Although, I
do appreciate the research she has done and her interest in the cemetery and
it's future, her statement that the family takes care of their part and not the
older part is just not true. She also suggested that the city clean the
cemetery and send the family the bill for reimbursement. My Mother, Evelyn
Patrick, widow of A. M. Patrick, III, is 82 years of age and resides in a
nearby nursing home in Fairburn, GA and is in the later stages of Alzheimer's
disease. She has no funds to pay for such a clean up and Jean was aware of
that. Jean is correct that there is no upkeep fund for the cemetery. Although,
the cemetery has never been perpetual care, my family has always assumed
responsibility. There are some families that do keep their plots clean and
others do not. There are also many that do not have living relatives. Through
the years my family has worked to take care of the cemetery. It is only in the
recent years that the old part has been a problem area. Three of my brothers
that used to help with the clean up are now buried in the cemetery. Other
family members have worked in the cemetery as they were able. We had been
planning a family work day when the weather cooled off, and I was able to
organize that work day on Saturday, November 6th. My immediate family and some
friends were able to clean up the old part so it looks pretty good at this
time. The illegal dumped materials were removed at the expense of one of my
family members. We plan to place a chain with a lock across the drive leaving
only walk-in access. There will be information posted for those needing vehicle
access.
The meeting being held Dec 4th by Mr. Land in Columbus will be attended by
myself and other family members in hopes that we will learn some information
about maintaining the cemetery for years to come. I have requested a police
patrol for the cemetery hoping that it will deter the illegal dumping. My
father, Alfred M. Patrick, III, acquired the cemetery when he purchased the
surrounding property. Since his ancestors were buried there I guess it made
sense that he take over the care. He dedicated more property to the cemetery
making it larger and made many improvements. Many members of the community
asked him for burial space. He sold plots for burial rights for a small
donation which he used to improve the cemetery. He also gave away many burial
rights to those who could not afford to pay. It has never operated for profit
and no other lots will be sold.
I would appreciate it if you would convey to the Council that the family is
taking care of the cemetery and is planning for the future. At no time do we
wish the City of Columbus involved in the clean up or future of the cemetery.
We would, however, welcome any interested party who has a plot or loved ones
buried there to provide a contact person so they can be informed of any future
plans. My contact information is listed below.
Attached are a few pictures after the clean up was finished.
Thank you for your time.
Lucille "Lucy" Patrick Hindman
8286 Spence Rd.
Fairburn, GA 30213
Home phone: 770-964-8375
E-mail: lucillephindman@bellsouth.net
E-mail: patrickmemorialcemetery@gmail.com
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