Resident says cemetery cleanup removed family flowers early; city apologizes and will review policy

Lynn Ward, a Cherryville resident, told the City Council on Monday that crews removed flowers from family graves at a city cemetery earlier than the date posted by the city, leaving what she said were “3 fourths of the graves” without flowers.

The complaint prompted an apology from a city official, who said the removal was a mistake and that the city will meet with the volunteer cemetery committee to prevent a repeat. The official added that the committee would review the policy that governs removals.

Why it matters: Family flowers and wreaths are a recurring source of concern for residents who rely on predictable schedules and clear rules for maintaining gravesites. The city’s approach affects many residents who visit the cemetery on holidays or to tend family plots.

Ward said she received a phone call Friday informing her that flowers had been removed; she later spoke with staff members she identified as Paige and Brian. Ward told the council she had expected removal around the posted date of April 4 and that the cleanup appeared to have occurred about a month earlier. She said a trash truck was seen removing flowers and that she noticed graves sinking and headstones that need maintenance.

An unnamed council member apologized to Ward, saying, “We made a mistake,” and confirmed the city will work with the volunteer cemetery committee to change how cleanup decisions are made and to ensure better notice. The council member said the city will aim to avoid placing “that type of burden on an employee” to decide what to remove and invited Ward to attend committee meetings.

Ward also criticized the timing of a previous seasonal cleanup that occurred two weeks before Christmas, saying the timing forced family members who live out of town to remove and then replace decorations. The council member acknowledged the complaint and said the city posts cleanup dates on its website but that, in this case, the date had not been posted in advance.

The council did not take a formal vote on the matter during the meeting. Officials said the next step is to review the city’s written policy, bring the topic to the cemetery committee (composed of volunteers) and notify concerned residents about committee meetings and any policy revisions.

Ending: Council members said they would follow up through the cemetery committee and staff; Ward said she wants to be notified of the committee meeting so she can attend.