By Melissa Robinson
Contributing Editor 

  Ten years ago, McDonough resident Judy Neal, hired a specialist to have her family’s gravesite in the McDonough City Cemetery professionally cleaned. Over the years, weather had caused a multitude of problems, such as mold and dirt around the monuments and the marble gravel had become dingy and sparse.

Judy Neal studies her family plot at the McDonough City Cemetery.                                      Photo by Melissa Robinson

  The fourteen-acre McDonough City Cemetery has been in use since 1846 on land donated to the city of McDonough. The city maintains the grounds and paths, and for neglected plots, maintenance crews will weed and cut overgrowth, but it’s up to individual families to maintain the plots and monuments.

  On a recent visit to the cemetery, she realized that her family’s plot needed a little more than another cleaning, and upon inspection, observed that several pieces of marble had cracked, along with

  Neal recently hired contractor Matthew Stewart, of Middle Georgia Monuments and over the next month he will take on the task of restoring the marble and other fixtures.

  Neal values her family’s long history in Henry County and wants to preserve the family’s plot for future generations. She said the rich history and stories behind her relatives are not unique in that many McDonough families have interesting stories to tell and share.

  Neal’s son, Scott Gilbert, who is assisting her in the restoration project, said his mother instilled in him the importance of family and remembering those who have gone before him. He said although he knew and loved his grandfather, he never had the good fortune of knowing his grandmother, who passed away from cancer when he just a baby. The values his mother has imparted help him understand the importance of preserving the past. 

  “Cemeteries and the markers within them tell the story of a community. They tell us about the people who settled the area, those who fought to defend it, and those who loved it. The markers for so many small children make us appreciate the modern medicines and healthcare that we enjoy. The markers even tell us about those that were not so good on occasion. In total, the cemetery is a living story provided by those that are no longer living themselves.” Said Gilbert. “If we are to understand ourselves, and the future, we have to understand the past, and the cemetery helps us to do that. It provides a bond for us to maintain a spiritual connection to our own personal family members.

  “If we don’t preserve our history and the stories of our ancestors, they will be lost forever,” said Neal.

  It was along this vein, that she helped, through McDonough Arts, to organize last year’s Spirits of McDonough City Cemetery Tour, where various historical characters were portrayed to sell-out crowds.

  She said by leading the way in restoring her family’s plot, she hoped that others will follow, and for some it may just be a cleaning that’s needed. She said she has had great support from her own family members on this project.

  "Just as great-great grandfather Simpson took the initiative to establish this family plot, we and future generations should maintain it in a way that reflects the love and respect we have for those buried there,” said Neal’s cousin, Irv Rae. “I'm grateful to Judy for taking the lead on this project.”

  John Bond, another great-great grandson of William Augustus Simpson, Jr., said as he gets older, he realizes the importance of learning about his ancestors and honoring them.

  “As I get older, my curiosity grows to learn more about my family and to learn who we are and where we came from and how those before us played significant roles, good or bad, contributing to the lives we live today. That’s why we honor our ancestors and their final resting place in the McDonough City Cemetery,” he said. “We have not forgotten them and carry them in our hearts every day.”

  Neal said that by shining a light on the need to maintain the city’s cemetery and by making the tour an annual event, she hopes to help the cemetery retain its integrity.

  “In the case of my family’s plot, what caught my attention first was that the sealing compound that holds all the coping together has deteriorated after being there 45 years. If not repaired, other pieces of marble may topple off and break.  And as you would imagine, replacing special-order marble is expensive,” said Neal.

  The Second Annual Spirits of McDonough City Cemetery Tour, sponsored by McDonough Arts, will be held on October 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. and on October 21 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Last year, Neal said the event was a huge success and sold out quickly. This year, two popular characters are returning and will be joined by new “spirits” with compelling tales. Tickets for the tour are on sale now and may be purchased by calling 404-660-3813. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information on the tour or on McDonough Arts, visit www.mcdonougharts.net.