by Bethel Thomas, Jr., Suzanne Williams, and Mary Evins Overton

For several years now, Smithville Town Cemetery’s condition has needed a 21st century upgrade, and a rededication, for it to be the gracious, serene place of beauty in the heart of the city of Smithville that it once was. Our historic town cemetery, serving as a quiet place of contemplation on a formerly back street, became a focal point for entry into our downtown area when the interstate-access street, Congress Boulevard, was constructed in the 1970s, opening up the cemetery along the major avenue into town at that time.

In conjunction with the cutting of the Boulevard, new entry gates and a retaining wall were added to the cemetery as renovations in the 1970s. But since then, of course, there have been fifty years of nature’s erosion and deterioration, especially of the original historic wrought-iron fence on the cemetery’s perimeter.

Also, the vision grew recently to reimagine the cemetery as a valued, distinguished, historic memorial park: a lovely spot for tranquil reflection in nature, a leafy green space providing a beautiful, warm welcome into our community upon entry into town.

In 2019, a group of people gathered with then-overseer of the cemetery and esteemed county historian, Mr. Tommy Webb, to discuss plans for future restoration and beautification of the cemetery. Due to the pandemic, the project was delayed for many months. Below is an update on how the project started and where it currently stands: 

Over three years ago, Bethel Thomas, Jr. (Bo), now living in Memphis, visited Smithville Town Cemetery where his parents, Bethel and Mary, are buried. After the cemetery visit, Bethel talked with his friend and former English teacher, Tommy Webb, about the eroding condition of the charming cemetery. Tommy had overseen the care and maintenance of the cemetery for many years and, as county historian, knew more about the history of the cemetery than anyone. Mr. Webb had long been concerned about the general order and beauty of the cemetery, particularly the condition of the fencing.

Jane Evins Leonard and Mary Evins Overton soon joined the conversation since their parents and other relatives are buried there. Mr. Webb indicated to the three of them that only a handful of people had been contributing annually to the cemetery’s ongoing Maintenance Account fund through the years. An existing endowed-funds account generated just enough income to provide basic mowing expenses each year. There was no money for major fence repairs or other restoration projects.

Mr. Webb’s health was failing, and he felt he could not continue to manage the cemetery monies. He asked Mary Evins Overton if she would assume that responsibility and requested that Bo lead a capital campaign to raise money for a new fund to support a Restoration and Beautification Project. Both agreed, wanting to honor Tommy’s long-time commitment to the cemetery, as well as honor their parents and others buried there.

The first solicitation for contributions to the new Restoration and Beautification Project went to about fifteen families and friends in Smithville whose relatives are buried there. The newly raised funds made it possible to begin the iron fence restoration on the North Congress Boulevard side of the property. With the pandemic winding down, a broader plan has emerged anticipating much greater engagement with the families of loved ones in the cemetery and with the community at large.

“I have so many wonderful memories of growing up in Smithville,” said Thomas, project coordinator. “Hometowns are special, and there is so much to celebrate about Smithville. So, I am excited and grateful for this opportunity and the widespread community interest in the cemetery. This historic space is now so centrally located and visible to thousands of people daily who travel to and through Smithville. We hope that many people will be willing to offer help in this major restoration effort, especially offering ideas and financial support.”

On July 27, 2021, local community leaders including Smithville Mayor Josh Miller, County Mayor Tim Stribling, and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Williams met with Mary Overton, Bethel Thomas, and landscape architect Cornelia Overton, to discuss possibilities and potential future goals for the cemetery project. Some immediate plans were made, such as the City of Smithville’s agreement to clean the culverts along the east side of the cemetery on Bright Hill Street and to lay a new elevated curb system along Bright Hill to prevent soil erosion into the city street. Suzanne Williams will be looking for grant opportunities.

Cornelia Overton will  design a landscape plan with the goal of beginning initial plantings during fall 2021. And, the first sections of rebuilt and re-welded wrought-iron fencing, crafted by Johnson Fabrication of Smithville, will be replaced along Congress Boulevard to showcase the early steps of the Restoration and Beautification Project. 

Chamber Director Suzanne Williams stated, “We believe that this collaborative effort of restoring and beautifying the Town Cemetery will be a wonderful addition to all the many positive improvements that have been and continue to be happening in the Smithville area. It is our mission to work together to make this wonderful area the best it can be, to honor those who served this community before us, and to do everything we can to leave our communities better than we found them for the future generations to build on.”

Working together with local leadership, Town Cemetery Association members, local organizations, and others in the Smithville community will ensure that our historic Town Cemetery will soon become a place of inspiration again for the people of Smithville and DeKalb County and a public space of remembrance and pride. Together we are the venerable 1838 historic cemetery’s stewards of place.

If you would like to help fund this worthwhile project, please mail your check to: 

Smithville Town Cemetery Association
300 East Main Street
Smithville, TN 37166

Earmark your contribution: For Restoration and Beautification Capital Campaign.

Follow Smithville Town Cemetery Association on Facebook or email us at smithvilletowncemetery@gmail.com.