The Ross family was recognized at the June 21 Bennettsville City Council meeting with a Citizen’s Award. From left is Mayor Dr. Carolyn Prince, District 4 Council member Jean Quick, Chris Ross, District 5 County Council member Tyron Abraham, Juanita Ross, and Gregory Ross.
Photo courtesy of Tyron Abraham
The members of the Ross family saw how much the Evergreen Cemetery had overgrown and felt something needed to be done.
Instead of complaining, Gregory Ross and his wife Juanita and his son Chris decided to clean it up themselves.
The family was recognized at the June 21 Bennettsville City Council meeting with a Citizen’s Award.
Council members Tyron Abraham (District 5) and Jean Quick (District 4) presented the family with the award.
City of Bennettsville Councilman Tyron Abraham presented a special citizens award at the June meeting.
“I want to recognize them for their community service for the caring acts they do,” he said.
The Ross family lives in District 5 but Evergreen Cemetery is in District 4.
Abraham said the family had recently moved here from West Virginia.
He met them after receiving a call about someone being in the cemetery. When he arrived, he found Gregory Ross and his son cutting the grass.
Abraham said the family stated the cemetery was an eyesore and they wanted to do something about it.
“They went out there using their equipment,” Abraham said. “They cut the whole cemetery.”
It wasn’t a one-time event, as they now regularly cut the grass there. But, Abraham added, the family will also make sure yards in the neighborhood for someone who is sick, elderly or have had a death are taken care of.
“I just wanted to recognize them because a lot of times you don’t see this anymore,” Abraham said. “When I was growing up, it was a lot of the community getting involved and helping one another.”
Abraham added they have motivated him by telling him about all the great things the City of Bennettsville and Marlboro County have to offer.
“Usually, you will hear someone say it’s nice but…,” Abraham said. “There were no buts in there. They were just talking about how great the city is and they are just happy to be here. I am happy they are here.”
Before Abraham and Quick presented the plaque, he introduced the Ross family to all of the council members, Administrator Max Alderman, and the Mayor Dr. Carolyn Prince. Abraham read the inscription to them.
“This certificate is hereby awarded to Mr. Gregory Ross and family in acknowledgement of your commitment to serving others in your community.”
Prince noted there is discretionary money in the budget for council members. Abraham and Quick plan to give a contribution to the family to help with the cost of gas and the string for the trimmer.
Chris Ross felt the American Dream was alive in Bennettsville. “It’s a very cool town,” he said. “I hope everyone will come down to see it. We came from where there’s nothing and this is a great town. We love it.”