The circular-shaped memorial is an underused shape that I like, simply
because of its unusualness and versatility.
The memorial for Holy Cecilia Hobbs (b. March 3, 1978, d. Jan. 31, 2002) in the Lebanon
Cemetery outside of Pavo, a small South Georgia community, is a fine example of how the
circular-shaped memorial may be used successfully to highlight or tell a person’s
life story. Holy passed away at age 23, just before her 24th birthday. Her family chose to
memorialize her memory in a unique and interesting way, by adding a decorative sport
affiliation to her monument.
Any sport with a round ball can be revealed on the round shape. American soccer,
volleyball, baseball, basketball, softball, billiards, pool, golf, and tennis all come
readily to mind. Beach balls, too.
You can demonstrate a young person’s antics in the form of BBs and air rifles. Civil
War enthusiasts might appreciate a cannon ball, or perhaps even a muzzle loading round
ball. Ball bearings and anything with a round or spherical shape are possible. Stress
balls, acrylic balls and paper weights for the collector, are definitely great ideas. A
wagon wheel for a pioneer or a car tire hubcap for a vehicle enthusiast would be unique
representations of life.
The globe might be used for an astronomer, or perhaps a planet, or the earth for a Green
Peace member. A mirror might work for a vain person who was constantly looking at the
mirror. A large ball bearing would work for the industrialist.
Or, dough balls for the fisherman, or perhaps a cheese ball for the gourmet cook are other
distinctive ideas. Think about having a large colorful Christmas ball for the Christmas
enthusiast, a crystal ball for the collector, round door knobs for the real estate agent,
antenna balls for a person who always had one on their car antennae, or perhaps even a
Jack-in-the-Box ball. For those who loved food, Matzo balls and sausage balls would be a
nice touch!
Whichever you choose, just know that it is a great idea to forever display your loved
one’s personality and life. There can be no doubt that Holy Cecilia Hobbs enjoyed
sports and that her family will forever tie her memory to sports. She will always be
number seven!
* * * * *
If you have other ideas for how this shape may be successfully used, please email your
comments so I can share them with others.
PS: I did not design, manufacture or install this memorial. It is one of many designs that I have found to be interesting during my visits to cemeteries throughout the South.
The circular-shaped memorial is an underused shape that I like, simply
because of its unusualness and versatility.