Hurricane Camille memorial

Today marks the 49^th anniversary of Hurricane Camille’s landfall on the Gulf Coast. This morning, a small group gathered to remember three women who died during the storm but were never identified.

Forty-nine years ago, Hurricane Camille rocked the Gulf Coast, killing numerous people and three of those found in Harrison County were never identified or claim. Even though there are no names on their headstones, just a simple description, every year a group of community members come together to honor those lost souls.

The three bodies were buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport and given the names Faith, Hope, and Charity not only to pay respects, but also to raise awareness about the dangers of hurricanes.

Scott and Celia Barrett survived the deadly storm and attend the ceremony every year to honor those who did not live to tell the story. “I stayed for the hurricane, the water came in. The biggest thing that ever happened in my life. I was 19 and Camille was the benchmark for all the storms that ever came after that,” said Scott.

While the night of August 17^th, 1969 is a terrifying memory for most South Mississippians, the Barretts are thankful they can return to this gravesite each year and honor all those who lost their lives.