Tag Archives: Westview Cemetery

The Grave of Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly of Westview Cemetery, Atlanta

Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly (1978–2013) was one half of the legendary ’90s rap duo Kris Kross, known for their 1992 hit “Jump.” Discovered by Jermaine Dupri at the Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, Georgia, Chris Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith became instant icons with their signature backward clothes. At the time, they were the youngest duo to break into hip-hop.

Unfortunately, his life was cut short in 2013 due to drug overdose. His final resting place is in Westview Cemetery.

The black-and-white image is courtesy of Wikipedia.

Daniel Chester French’s “The Spirit of Achievement” at Westview Cemetery-Atlanta, Georgia

Known as “The Spirit of Achievement” or, more simply, “Achievement,” the Jesse Parker and Cora Best Taylor Williams memorial in Westview Cemetery illustrates the success of the Williamses, who relocated to Atlanta in 1900.

Cora and Jesse Parker Williams as depicted on the memorial

J. P. Williams built and ran the Georgia, Florida, and Alabama railway. Upon his death, Cora took over the management of the railroad. She ran the company until she passed. In her will, she asked that a hospital for women and children be built where their house once stood, at approximately 542 Peachtree Street. The hospital turned over management to Crawford Long Hospital, now Emory Midtown, in 1992. While the building no longer exists, the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation still exists and gives out health-related grants.

Image from the July 20, 1941 Atlanta Constitution.
This is an image from the March 16, 1941 Atlanta Constitution.

The memorial was created by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon. It’s listed as part of the Smithsonian’s Save Our Sculpture database.

Ria Pell, 1968-2003, Atlanta, Georgia

If you’ve ever eaten at Ria’s Bluebird, then you’ve experienced the legacy of Chef Ria Pell. After her win on Chopped, she became known about town and was well-loved in the community as shown by her headstone at Westview Cemetery and obituary.