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City reports relocation of 72 graves from Billy Woods Cemetery to Suncrest Cemetery
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Summary
Assistant City Manager Jeff Wells briefed council on the discovery and relocation of graves from the Billy Woods Cemetery on city property. The city hired a consultant, identified descendants, and completed disinterment and reinterment; 72 graves were removed and reinterred in the same arrangement at Suncrest Cemetery.
Assistant City Manager Jeff Wells told the Monroe City Council that staff completed a relocation of graves discovered at the Billy Woods Cemetery on city‑owned property on North Sutherland Avenue and reinterred remains at Suncrest Cemetery.
Wells said the cemetery dates to 1842, with the most recent known burial in 1935. Initial estimates of roughly 50 graves were revised upward during fieldwork; staff identified and removed 72 graves during a five‑day disinterment in July. The work included an archaeologist and a funeral director for the entire operation, and the remains were reinterred at Suncrest Cemetery in the same arrangement as found, Wells said.
The city hired Richard Grubb and Associates (RGA) to complete required historical and archaeological work and notify descendants. Wells said RGA identified 170 descendants and that a legal advertisement ran in the local newspaper for four successive weeks to meet statutory notice requirements. Fifteen descendants responded to the notice; Wells said 14 were amenable and one raised concerns. The city said it will record a document at the register of deeds listing identified descendants and a map of the reinterment.
Wells described the physical condition of the site when found: “The area was completely overgrown and in poor condition,” and staff cleared underbrush and removed trash left by people who had camped on the site. He said excavations yielded primarily discolored soil and remnants consistent with wooden burial boxes; workers found no discernible human remains.
Markers recovered from the site have been moved to Suncrest Cemetery; some are already reestablished and others are awaiting restoration after rains delayed work. Several headstones were broken and the city said it will work with outside organizations on repairs; Wells said the Daughters of the American Revolution had expressed interest in raising funds to repair damaged markers.
Council members praised staff for following the statutory process and for improving access so families can visit the graves at Suncrest. “No one could have safely gotten out there to visit,” Mayor Pro Tem Anthony said. Council member Anderson also thanked staff for what he called a compassionate and meticulous approach.
Wells said the city is responsible for expenses associated with relocation and that staff believe the work satisfied state statutory requirements. The city did not present any pending council action related to the relocation during the update; the item was presented for information.
