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Lowcountry Pastimes: How Kiawah River Reconnected One Woman with Her Roots

Tucked into a quiet corner of Kiawah River lies a sacred patch of land that has quietly held generations of history that were, until recently, forgotten. Beginning in 1994, Kiawah River commissioned two archaeological surveys by the Chicora Foundation to better understand the land’s historic fabric. What they uncovered was a small cemetery, long forgotten and buried beneath decades of Lowcountry underbrush. But thanks to the passion and dedication of Kiawah River’s Chief Environmental Officer, Jeff Snyder, the burial site has been lovingly restored, and its stories are finally being brought into the light.

Snyder, who leads environmental stewardship efforts across the community’s 2,000 acres, took a particular interest in the cemetery not only for its historical significance but also as a gesture of reverence to those who came before. “We want to honor every chapter of this land’s story,” said Snyder. “Restoring the cemetery was about showing respect, for the people, for their lives and for the role their legacy continues to play in shaping this place.”

As grave markers were uncovered and carefully cleaned, one name etched into the stones began to spark curiosity: Bishopp – specifically, , Oliver Bishop, Kitt Bishopp, Hannah Bishopp and Anne S. Bishopp, all of whom were dated to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

One Johns Island resident, Nancy Butler, was moved by the care shown to the site and decided to dig deeper. With the help of census records and genealogy resources, she traced the Bishopp name generations and found a living connection: Mitzi Lawrence, a direct descendant of the Bishopps.

The discovery set into motion an emotional homecoming.

Mitzi, whose maiden name is Bishopp, had always known pieces of her family’s story but never imagined she’d be able to stand where her ancestors were laid to rest. Now 80, Mitzi was born in the Charleston area, moved away as a young girl, and returned to nearby Wadmalaw Island in 2019.

After connecting with Nancy, she visited Kiawah River, where she was shown the lovingly restored gravesite. For Mitzi, the experience was deeply moving. “I was incredibly touched to know that it was there, and that someone cared enough to preserve it,” she shared.

Today, the cemetery stands as a testament to remembrance, respect and reconnection. Surrounded by native flora and shielded by oaks and magnolias, it reflects a legacy lovingly preserved. The graves are professionally maintained and labeled with marble markers.

At Kiawah River, honoring heritage is more than a gesture – it’s a guiding principle. As the community continues to grow and welcome new families, its future remains grounded in the stories and legacies that came before.