The Prince William County Sheriff’s Office honored those that have passed away and went unclaimed yesterday in Manassas.
This is the second time the office has done the ceremony, located at Woodbine Baptist Church Cemetery at 12914 Canova Drive.
The goal is to provide an honorable burial to those that have passed away in the county, but were not claimed by loved ones.
“I wish to thank [Sheriff Hill] and the Prince William County Sheriff’s Department, and Prince William County, and the City of Manassas for all that they do in helping to honor people in their last thing that you can do for someone,” said Reverend Gene Wells.
There were five individuals commemorated during the ceremony: Willie Mae Miller, Edwin Lyne Conner, Edwin Fay Gray, Robert Gross, and Earl Miller.
One of the individuals, Earl Miller, had a unique story that came to light when preparing for the ceremony according to Sheriff Glen Hill.
“As a result of investigating the case of Earl Miller, one of the unclaimed citizens here, they discovered the cremated remains of his mother. Today, Earl Miller and his mother Willie Mae will be buried together. May they rest in peace together,” said Hill.
Woodbine and local crematoriums worked with the sheriff’s department to provide burial services for the unclaimed residents. The five individuals ashes were laid to rest in the Woodbine Cemetery Cremation Garden.
