Yogi Berra said it best, “If you don’t attend people’s funerals, how can you expect them to come to yours!” From “I tried to tell you I was sick,” to the famous inscription in Key West, Fla., (obviously designed by the widow of a wandering husband), “At least I know where he’s sleeping tonight,” it is clear there are absolutely no rules as to what can be inscribed on a tombstone.

The Natchez Tricentennial Ethnic and Social History Committee has organized three “rural cemetery” tours, the first will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday starting at the Natchez Visitor Center. Over the course of three hours, we will visit four plantation cemeteries that are over 200 years old in various levels of disarray and neglect. We will feel the reverence, respect, and, yes, deep sorrow, for these early settlers of our beloved Adams County.

Oh — the “tea” part of the excursion. Tea, sweet and unsweet, will be provided, as well as other liquids and snacks! Your Ethnic and Social History Committee does not want anyone to be dehydrated! This is included in the fee.

The paths, all though narrow, will be clean and the walks from the bus will be no more than 50 yards. Cotton socks and rubber sole shoes are suggested. Insect repellant is provided, but will probably not be needed.

The cost is $25 per person. Transportation and refreshments are included. Tickets can be purchased at the Tricentennial office located inside the Natchez Visitor Center, located at 640 S. Canal St. Please contact Kelin Hendricks by phone at 601-446-6345 ext. 12 or by email at kelin@natchezms300.com.

Be prepared to “tear up” when we clean off intersections and read the, until now, hidden tributes. I can’t wait.

 

Lee Jones is a Tea & Tombstones tour guide.