Epitaph: She hath done what she could

Cora M. Baughman (b. 1875, d. 1931) was the never-married daughter of Sylvester and Kate Baughman, who are buried near Cora’s grave. (You can see Sylvester M. on their monument in the background of the photo.)

BAUGHMAN
Cora M.
DIED JAN. 25, 1931

“She hath done what she could”

Although the epitaph can be read simply as a statement on the life of the deceased, the word hath hints that the Bible is the source. Here are several translations of Mark 14:8, which appears to be the source of the epitaph:

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

She has done what she was able: she has put oil on my body to make it ready for its last resting-place.

What she could she did: she has perfumed my body in preparation for my burial.

Cora May Baughman died of a cerebral hemorrhage at her home on Vine Street in Westerville, Ohio. She was 55 years old.

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Otterbein Cemetery, Franklin County, Ohio