DALTON, Ga. — When she was a child, Amanda Jones’ grandmother would take her through Dalton’s historic West Hill Cemetery. They’d pick up debris, and Jones would learn about some of the famous people buried there.

“We went back over there recently, and we went to the baby paupers section and I noticed that many of the graves didn’t even have paper markers, much less headstones. It just broke my heart,” she said.

West Hill Cemetery is owned and maintained by the city of Dalton. The children paupers section is for small children whose parents can’t afford to bury them.

“That section is for children newborn to six months,” said Public Works Director Benny Dunn. “We’ve had that section for about 35 years, and we currently have 67 unmarked graves.”

Jones said that one of those graves, in particular, caught her eye and her heart. It belongs to a baby called “Jellybean.”

“Her parents painted her name on stones and piled them on top of the grave, but that paint is eroding,” she said.

Jones approached city officials, and they have agreed to set up a fund that people can donate to to help raise money to place stone markers on those graves.

“They have the records of all the children who are buried there, so they have their names,” Jones said.

Dunn said he is grateful that someone has taken an initiative on this issue.

Those who wish to donate can send a check to Infants Gravestone Fund, City of Dalton 300 W. Waugh St., Dalton, GA 30721.

Dunn said each gravestone costs $65.

“But any donation will be appreciated,” said Dunn.