‘Heartbreaking’: Augusta cemeteries reopen for first time since Helene
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Wednesday marked a breath of relief for the hundreds of families whose loved ones are buried inside Augusta’s three cemeteries.
Last week, the Augusta Government announced a phased reopening of Magnolia, Cedar Grove and Westview cemeteries following evaluation and leadership approval.
For nearly six months, families have not been able to visit, thanks to the severe damage left by Hurricane Helene.
“Heartbreaking,” said Thomasine Deer, whose family is buried in Magnolia Cemetery. “It’s heartbreaking to see the way the cemetery looks.”
Uprooted trees left craters in the ground and damaged headstones and gravesites.
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Because of these closures, families have missed several holidays, birthdays and anniversaries with their loved ones.
We’ve learned that while families are glad to go back in, the damage from Helene still lingers.
“It just sort of takes your breath away to see it,” said Deer.
It’s not just the graves broken by the storm, it’s the quietness and peace Deer once knew.
“It just doesn’t look like the peaceful cemetery that I see it being,” said Deer.
She has generations of family at Magnolia Cemetery
“I have 52 ancestors here,” said Deer.
She knows this place by heart.
“It was a beautiful cemetery. It was well maintained,” said Deer. “I’m not gonna say maybe there were times it wasn’t. I don’t that. I always it being a peaceful, beautiful cemetery.”
You can see the cleanup, but you can’t unsee what the storm took away.
" I do understand we’ve had a hurricane, but I’d also understand it’s six months later, too,” she said.
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Deer wants to see this historical place live up to its history
“I would say if people care about this cemetery, I wish they would really reach out to our commissioners and to our government and let ‘em know that it’s an important part of the history of Augusta,” said Deer.
To ensure safety, visitors are required to sign a waiver upon arrival.
Staff will be present to guide visitors to their family plots, ensure restricted areas remain off limits due to ongoing safety concerns and to maintain security and respect for the grounds.
The reopening will proceed as follows:
- Initial Reopening: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, March 26-28, 2025 - with visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Expanded Hours: Beginning the week of March 31, 2025, the cemeteries will operate during the following hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. by appointment only.
- Full Reopening: Starting the week of April 7, 2025, the cemeteries will be fully open to visitors. However, all guests will be required to sign in at the front office upon entry, and staff will continue monitoring unsafe areas.
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Families hoping to visit loved ones at local cemeteries are greeted with chained-up front gates and no answers. Many have been closed since Helene hit, but there’s no word on when they’ll reopen.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please :
- Cedar Grove Cemetery - 706-821-1748
- Magnolia Cemetery - 706-821-1746
- West View Cemetery - 706-733-6741
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