Karen Carrow Dees writes: Cedar Crossing Methodist Church and cemetery sits on land donated to the Methodist church by my husband’s family years ago. (Dees Family) It was used as a Methodist Church for many years and most recently was used by the Hispanic Methodist community. It is unused now and will return to the family. (Karen notes that as of 2016, the Hispanic congregation has purchased the church and will be using it for their services).
John W. Easterling recalls: Attended church here in the 50’s with Uncle Dent Brantley and Aunt Liza Brantley when I stayed with them in the summer. Had wonderful dinner on the ground. Many hand held fans moved the air around in the church. Dalt and Ola Geiger were my grand parents on my mother’s side and they attended church once in awhile. I have fond memories of that area.
While they seem unusual to some, these decorations are a time-honored tradition in some Southern cemeteries and represent a deep love for the departed and a celebration of life. Whether simple or elaborate, they’re always nice to photograph. I’m so honored that relatives shared the stories behind these tributes.
Marsha Ann writes: The grave with the deer belongs to Brent Dees (18). He and my brother, Marty Galbreath (19), were killed in an automobile accident on August 2nd 1994.
Tony Smith writes: This is my Dad’s gravesite. My brothers and I felt it would be as Dad would want it with his sons getting together to build this. He was a cement finisher/frame carpenter and all around house builder. We built this in honor of Dad by hand. He had 15 children and many Grandchildren. Lola Smith Leigh adds: Anyone who knew my Father, Hugh Smith, knew his work was truly his expression of art. He was a master craftsman and took great pride in his labors. The gravestone my brothers created for him is a beautiful tribute to our Daddy and it is so comforting to see the tools that were as much an extension of him as were the hands that wielded them.
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 
Where is the cemetery located with the hammers on the salab…Interesting!!!
My name is Debbie, Can you please help me. I want to bury my husband’s ashes beside his mother Alma Ree Mumford. He always told me there was an empty family plot next to her. I want to bury his ashes and set a headstone, but I can’t find anyone to get in touch with. My email address is dmumford67@bellsouth.net I appreciate any help.
the grave with the deer belongs to Brent Dees(18). He and my brother, Marty Galbreath(19) were killed in an automobile accident on Aug 2nd 1994.
Anyone who knew my Father, Hugh Smith, knew his work was truly his expression of art. He was a master craftsman and took great pride in his labors. The gravestone my brothers created for him is a beautiful tribute to our Daddy and it is so comforting to see the tools that were as much an extension of him as were the hands that wielded them.
This is my Daddy’s grave. He was a simple hardworking man in his day. He is sorely missed. And I know he would want no other slab on his grave.
I think it was a wonderful way to honor him, Kerri.
Hello my name is Tony Smith…The picture above is a pisture of My Dads gravesite.My brothers and I felt it would be as Dad would want it with his sons getting together to build this.He was a Cement finisher/frame carpenter and all around House builder.We built this in honor of Dad by hand.He had 15 children and many Grandchildren.
The Hammers belong to him.The one on the right was his for years.The one on the left was given to him by his brother Curtis Smith(Nick)He is buried to Dads left.This why the the hammer on the left is there.Dad was the smartest man I ever met.He is missed dearly.Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for sharing these memories, Tony. I think the hammers are so neat and what a great way to remember someone. Coming from a family of farmers and carpenters, I understand how important they are symbols to the hard work they did.
Hi Brian, I really enjoyed these old cemetery gravesite photos. The one that really struck me was the grave stone with the embedded hammers. The placement of the hammers there seems a remarkable art in its own right. Plus the sentiment alone has to be well thought out. Thanks
Thanks, Wendell. The hammers were very interesting!
Great photographs. I love exploring old cemeteries. I think I will take my camera along on my next cemetery visit.
Good idea, Gary…there is much to be seen.
These artifacts give a loving personal touch to cold stone memorials.
I can imagine when loved ones visit the graves, a smile lights the face with happy memories of the departed. Glad you posted the pictures.