From the opening of the historical gates at the north end of the cemetery to the newly installed signs to illustrate the layout of the grounds, good things are happening at Greenleaf Cemetery according to Friends and Relatives of Greenleaf (FROG) members Vonne Cornett and Lisa Flood.
Earlier this week, the north gate of Greenleaf Cemetery was reopened to the public for a safer and more attractive entrance to the cemetery. This north gate features historic pillars that are topped with large finials, originally from the Coggin Ranch, and a newly designed wrought iron gate. This gate was completed on June 17th but was opened for the first time on July 16th, after the pillars were stabilized. The first funeral came through the gate that same day.
The gate has had some problems over the years, such as one of the pillars being severely damaged when it was struck by a car years ago and one of the finials had been missing for many years, according to Cornett. Recently Jason Romans of the Granite Guys volunteered his services to help restore these pillars for Greenleaf.
“Attempts were made to repair the damage, but until Jason’s heroic effort, the pillar was never really secured,” said Cornett. “Restoring and preserving the pillars is an important goal, but more funds will be needed for the project. The Coggins (whose family donated the pillars) are actually buried very near the entrance.”
Funding for the gate project has come mostly from generous grants from the JR Beadel Trust and the EP Woodruff Foundation along with proceeds from the Talking Tombstones Tour which was held last fall. The new gate was designed and built by Sam Bell Welding of Goldthwaite after approval in March from Greenleaf Cemetery board members. Bell also designed the iron gate on the HPU campus and Greenleaf trustees favored a similar design. Paul Kirby of Mullin was commissioned to do the decorative work of the lettering and the leaf. Cornett explained that landscaping plans are also underway for the area just outside the new north entrance gate.
Last fall, the Talking Tombstones Tour featured local actors who portrayed some of the famous people buried at Greenleaf Cemetery. Some of the actors were descendants of the person they were portraying, making the event even more interesting. Around this time, the missing finial mysteriously reappeared; the person responsible for its safe return remains anonymous.
The City of Brownwood has also been very supportive of the re-opening of the gate, said Cornett. She explained that the north entrance is not only a lovelier way to enter the cemetery, but also is a safer way. She stated that the City of Brownwood has been helpful in getting this accomplished.
“For some time, an overhead street lamp, belonging to Oncor had been out of commission near the entrance, and after contact from the city, the light is now working,” said Cornett. “City service is being done to mow and maintain the area outside the entrance as well. The Cemetery Board greatly appreciates the city’s support.”
North Gate Hours are currently 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday and on weekends during funerals. The board hopes to extend these hours in the near future, according to Cornett. The east gate of the cemetery, on US Hwy 377S, is open 24 hours a day.
A street sign project inside the cemetery, which started in February, is now completed. Two large signs were installed May 18th which illustrate the layout of the property so that the families and friends of those buried at Greenleaf can easily find their loved ones. It shows each addition of the cemetery in bright color coding. According to Flood, these colors were chosen to make the sign easier to read by those with sight impairments. Along with these signs, 23 double sided street signs are being placed to help navigate people to grave sites.
Funding for the street signs project has been made possible through a contribution from the Flood Family (active FROG member Lisa Flood’s family) in loving memory of their mother Joyclin Callaway Quick Neffe. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions be made to FROG, which then funded this streets sign project.
Flood explained that FROG plans to make maps to hand out or have available on weekends for families and that a directory is being compiled along with plans to photograph each tombstone and map its location to help families identify where their loved ones are resting.
“This will help a lot of people for a long time,” said Flood. “Greenleaf has many graves which are not marked and FROG is working to help identify and locate these.”
Flood also stated that the group hopes to put another sign at the north entrance as well.
The upkeep and improvements to Greenleaf are an ongoing process according to Cornett and Flood.
“FROG members are full of enthusiasm and have been able to help. Office manager Amy Valdez has also been wonderful in these projects,” said Flood. “We need people to help with these projects, possibly nonprofit organizations, clubs or school groups could join in the efforts. Greenleaf is a nonprofit, depending on donations and grants for these improvements.”
Flood stated that Greenleaf is a not only a historic place but also an asset to the community as more than just a cemetery. Flood spoke of her experience volunteering with the flag program of FROG and walking through the property placing flags.
“To see these improvements has been wonderful, but the best way to see Greenleaf is to be someone who places flags during Memorial Day or Veterans Day. To think of who they are, it was really humbling,” said Flood. “We want people to care (about Greenleaf) as much as we do, as a landmark.”
The property features historic graves and beautiful trees which have been there for hundreds of years. Flood encouraged the public to see Greenleaf as a peaceful place not only to bury your loved ones but to also enjoy in life.
“It’s a peaceful place to walk or ride a bicycle. The roads are great; they are safe, with little traffic if any. It’s more than a place where people are sad when they come,” said Flood. “It can be a celebration of life.”
Current Greenleaf Board members include: President Connie Wyatt, Vice President Harold Hogan, Treasurer Tim Wilson, Martha Faetche, Angie Gomez, Carole Spratt and Ed Walker.
Friends and Relatives of Greenleaf (FROG) include: Nan and Lynn Gentry of Abilene, Lann James of San Angelo, Billie Johnson of Abilene and local members Gwen and Tom Hart, Vonne Cornett and countless others who are more indirectly involved.
A formal dedication service for the opening of the new gate at the north entrance and the street signs is planned in the near future according to Cornett. Both of which Cornett stated are huge accomplishments for Greenleaf.
Pictured above is the new gate at the north entrance of Greenleaf Cemetery.
Lisa Flood stands near the color coded sign illustrating the cemetery additions.
Newly placed informational signs tell visitors about Greenleaf Cemetery, its board and map the additions of the property. Pictured left in background of the larger signs is one of 23 street signs marking the roads through the cemetery.
