Brownwood News – Greenleaf Cemetery, one of the oldest perpetual care cemeteries in Texas, is a largely hidden treasure, just west of Highway 377 in Brownwood. Like many other cemeteries that promise perpetual care, Greenleaf is seeing hard times.
This beautiful old cemetery was established in 1868, through the generosity of one of Brownwood’s citizens, Greenleaf Fisk. According to Board President Connie Wyatt, “Our cemetery has many needs, but has always had the support of so many in our community. With the help of the community, we strive to show honor and respect to those whose memories we cherish so dearly.”
Perpetual care cemeteries are required by Texas state law to invest a portion of the purchase price of each plot, with only the interest available for use. At one time, when interest rates were high, the return on those investments could largely support Greenleaf. Now, with interest rates so low, that is no longer the case. The income that supported the cemetery is reduced to a trickle, but the expenses have only grown.
Upon learning of the dire straits that Greenleaf Cemetery is facing, Keep Brownwood Beautiful (KBB) stepped up to help. KBB’s mission is to encourage citizens of Brownwood to take responsibility for their community environment.
KBB, in partnership with Greenleaf Cemetery Association, is challenging the citizens of Brownwood and the surrounding areas to raise $5,000 in Five Days to support the operation of the cemetery. According to Cary Perrin, Program Coordinator for KBB, “With the interest in genealogy growing, cemeteries are now considered destination locations. Greenleaf is steeped in history, and we need to treat it as the treasure that it is.”
The $5,000 in Five Days fundraising effort kicks off on May 8. Mothers’ Day will be the following Sunday, so this would be a wonderful time to give a gift to Greenleaf in honor of or in memory of a mother or grandmother. To celebrate the success of the $5,000 in Five Days, and to honor the thousands of mothers and grandmothers resting at Greenleaf, at 3pm on Mothers’ Day, the Greenleaf Cemetery Association will be releasing hundreds of butterflies on the grounds.
There are several ways to donate. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted in person at the cemetery office weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 455, Brownwood, TX 76804-0455. Make checks out to KBB and note Greenleaf Project on the check. Credit card donations can also be phoned in to 325-646-6919. Donations are urgently needed, and are tax deductible.
Freda Day, Greenleaf Cemetery’s new Office Manager, stated, “Everyone is invited to come by the cemetery and enjoy the history and tranquility of our grounds. We need the community to support it, but we also invite the community to enjoy it.”
For more information, visit the Greenleaf Cemetery website at www.greenleafcemetery.org or call 325-646-6919.
