Families seek answers after grave markers, flowers dumped at cemetery
Autumn Woods owner says it's policy to remove temporary grave markers and flowers
Autumn Woods owner says it's policy to remove temporary grave markers and flowers
Autumn Woods owner says it's policy to remove temporary grave markers and flowers
Dozens of families were asking what happened after they found the grave markers and flowers removed from gravesites and dumped at a Jackson cemetery.
Shunta McWilliams was one of about 50 people seeking answers Tuesday at Autumn Woods Memorial Gardens on W. Northside Drive. McWilliams' daughter, 23-year-old Keyunta McWilliams, is buried there. She was eight months pregnant when she and her unborn child were shot and killed in December 2021.
"This is what I come to, and I don't feel that's right," McWilliams said.
McWilliams said in addition to the pile of flowers and grave markers -- some of which were burned -- there has been no upkeep at the cemetery because the grass is long and needs to be cut.
Rep. Earle Banks, of Jackson, is the owner and president of the cemetery. Banks acknowledged that the grass needs to be cut, and said it's part of maintaining the cemetery.
A sign is up at the cemetery that says, "temporary grave markers will be removed after about two weeks after burial and will not be replaced. Please speak with us if you are interested in purchasing a permanent grave marker or vase."
The sign goes on to say that flowers and grave decorations will be removed on Wednesdays if they "become unsightly or interfere" with lawnmowers.
Banks admitted that the pile of flowers and markers should be moved, but said he doesn't plan to change the cemetery's policies.
Banks said any of the family members can call his team and speak with them about their concerns.