Sallie Falkner, William Faulkner’s grandmother, is memorialized in relief in Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Based on photos, the sculptor did a great job capturing her. Apparently, his grandfather is on the other side, but I did not catch that when I was taking this photograph. You can imagine me uttering, “Ugh” since I missed it.
This memorial is listed on the Smithsonian’s Save Our Outdoor Sculpture database.
John Strauther was the first Black mortician in Greenville, Mississippi. His monument is the only one in Live Oaks Cemetery. His wife had this made after he passed.
It is listed as part of the Smithsonian’s Save Outdoor Sculpture program.
Outside of Carlton, Alabama, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church’s cemetery contains death masks created by Isaac Nettles. Nettles created these masks by making molds of the subjects’ faces while they were still alive, which is different from the traditional death mask made after someone passes. The three-person marker represents Isaac and Cora’s three daughters and rests atop Cora’s grave. There are two other markers made by Nettles. These are deteriorating quickly. In 2020, Hurricane Sally caused significant damage to the masks. These are incredible pieces of folk art. At one point, there were four death masks. One was made for Isaac’s mother Selena/Celina. It was damaged by Hurricane Frederick in 1979. The markers were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Located in the Gibson City Cemetery in Glascock County, one of my favorite markers in Georgia. The Walker marker is a standout, especially for a rural cemetery. According to his death certificate, Edward died of the flu. It is listed as part of the Smithsonian’s Save Our Sculptures database.
Located in the West Hill Cemetery, the Farrar monument memorializes William Farrar, founder of Farrar Lumber Company, Mary Agnes, Floyd, and Mary. The Farrar family relocated to Dalton after the Civil War where the family built the prosperous lumber company. The monument is listed on the Smithsonian’s Save Our Outdoor Sculpture list.
Louisa Alexander Porter (1807-1888) was from a prominent family in Georgia. A generous philanthropist, she helped fund the beginning of the “Refuge for the Homeless” which provided housing for homeless women and children. The Louisa Porter Foundation honors her legacy.
Her monument, designed by Antonio Caniparoli, is made of Carrara marble and is listed on the Smithsonian Saving Outdoor Sculpture database. It is in Laurel Grove North Cemetery.
