Bone Cemetery was established by Russel G. Bone in the 1940s, in one of Milledgeville’s historic Black neighborhoods. The most notable memorials are these moving tributes to the Oden family. They are part of the larger Collier-Oden plot, and are located at the feet of commercially manufactured granite slabs. William T. Collier, was an Army veteran of World War I, the organizer and first commander of American Legion Post 523, and a prominent brick mason.

This 6-foot anchor may be the most impressive of the three concrete memorials.

It identifies Ralph and Ruth Oden.

I’m not sure what the “S” indicates.

“Son”, on this point of the anchor, may be another reference to Ruth’s son, Ralph.

This is one of two five-pointed stars. The lower points of both are buried slightly into the concrete within the plot. Considering that family members were brick masons, one of them was likely the maker of these memorials. The inscription reads: Memory – Marguerite – Ruth – Builder – Bro. Lo. Ruth’s name appears again, but I can’t connect the others.

The stars are about 3 or 4 feet tall, much larger than any others I’ve encountered. This one bears the inscription: 1981 – Warren Honor Clyde – Grant General – Lorenzo. I believe 1981 is the year that these were made. Lorenzo Oden was married to Gladys Collier, daughter of William T. Collier. He was a Carpenter’s Mate Third Class in World War II, and was also a master brick mason. He was a life member of Bricklayers Union #3 and American Legion Post 523.