Laurens County coroner says ground-penetrating radar found more than 100 graves at Potter’s Field; council invited to wreath-laying

Laurens County Coroner Patty Kanuk told the county council on Dec. 8 that a ground-penetrating radar survey at Potter’s Field identified more than 100 possible graves and asked council members to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday.

"This Thursday at 11 a.m., they have the Potter's Field ceremony, the laying of the Christmas wreath," Kanuk said. She said that "Andy and his team went out there with a ground-penetrating radar and found over a 100 graves." Kanuk told the council her office this year handled nine indigent cremations, including one veteran and one infant, and that she and staff would arrange burials after Christmas for remains identified by the county.

Several council members and staff described efforts to mark graves with crosses and improve site access; staff said signage would be placed to direct visitors from the nearby airport terminal. Council members thanked the coroner and crews for cleanup and marking efforts.

Why it matters: Potter’s Field contains unmarked and indigent burials; the coroner’s survey and the county’s plan to mark graves and hold a public wreath-laying are significant for community history, families of the deceased and county records.

What’s next: The coroner and staff will coordinate burials after the holidays and the county will hold the wreath-laying ceremony at Potter’s Field. Council members signaled support and staff will follow up on signage and grave marking.