By Amy Howe
Among the landscapes of Jasper County, Missouri, lie almost 130 cemeteries, many of them historic and in need of care.
These final resting places are often hidden from view, overgrown and forgotten, yet they hold generations of stories and memories.
Preserving these cemeteries and the legacy they represent has become a passion for Rikki Smith, an active volunteer with the Jasper County Cemetery Preservation Society (JCCPS).
When asked what inspired her involvement, Smith explains, like many cemetery preservationists, she began with an interest in genealogy and family history. She recognized the need to protect these sacred sites as historic landmarks and community legacies.
“Our aim is to protect and preserve the nearly 130 cemeteries throughout the county,” she shares, noting JCCPS has about 20 regular volunteers and representatives from roughly 30 cemeteries who meet monthly to plan their efforts.
Turning Neglect Into Reverence
Cemetery preservation is no small task. It involves meticulous work and careful handling of fragile markers, some of which have endured decades of weather and neglect.
“We can take a cemetery that is completely neglected and overrun and turn it into a safe place for people to visit,” says Smith.
Volunteers remove overgrowth, trim trees, mend fences and reset stones, often working under challenging conditions. “Cemeteries need annual maintenance and seasonal mowing to stay in good condition,” she adds, emphasizing the need for perpetual care plans for each cemetery they restore.
Smith and her team take great care in preserving the stones and markers, ensuring their preservation methods don’t cause damage. Depending on the condition of the cemetery, the team might use blade trimmers or mowers, always keeping a safe distance from the stones. Stones that need resetting are handled only by those trained to prevent further damage or even potential injury, as toppling stones can be hazardous.
Projects with Special Meaning
While each cemetery holds its own history, a few restoration projects stand out in Smith’s memory. Last Memorial Day, JCCPS organized a ceremony at Bright Daniel Cemetery near Joplin. Thanks to the society’s restoration work, descendants were able to visit the grave of a Civil War ancestor for the first time in generations.
“They were incredibly grateful for the assistance in locating the grave and cleaning up the cemetery,” Smith shares. Gray Cemetery near Carthage has also been a site of honor. Recently, JCCPS set a marker for one of only two known Revolutionary War veterans buried in Jasper County. Though the soldier’s exact burial location is unknown, the memorial ceremony brought family members together at the cemetery, connecting generations to their shared history. Another memorable project involved Lemons Cemetery, which had been lost to the family for years. Theywere reunited with the location of their ancestor’s grave through a FaceTime call—a remarkable moment that Smith says proves cemetery preservation can indeed be exciting.
The Challenges and Rewards of Cemetery Preservation
Preserving cemeteries is more than physical labor; it requires sensitivity, awareness and resources. Each year, JCCPS assesses local cemeteries and sets priorities for clean-up based on need and available resources.
“Oftentimes, we consider the most challenging projects or cemeteries where one good day’s work will make a huge impact,” Smith says. They also partner with other organizations to expand their reach, taking advantage of community collaborations to maximize their efforts.
However, not everyone appreciates the importance of cemetery preservation.
“Some of our biggest challenges come from people who don’t understand the value of these sites,” Smith explains. Cemeteries serve not only as resting places but as historical archives and spaces for reflection. Educating the community about the importance of these landmarks is key to ensuring their protection and upkeep. “These are the places where our legacies lie,” Smith says.
Fortunately, local interest in cemetery preservation has grown. Many community members have joined JCCPS or supported their projects in various ways, from hands-on labor to research and organization.
“There’s something for everyone to do,” Smith says, highlighting the wide range of skills volunteers bring to the table. The society welcomes everyone and has successfully worked with groups like the American Legion, VFW, JROTC, church groups and scouts.
One particularly rewarding development for JCCPS has been its mentorship of cemetery preservation groups in neighboring Lawrence and Newton counties. By sharing their knowledge and resources, the JCCPS has helped these organizations get a strong start, expanding the reach of cemetery preservation efforts beyond Jasper County.
A Gathering Place for Cemetery Preservation
For those interested in joining the preservation effort, the Jasper County Cemetery Preservation Society serves as a “Chamber of Commerce” for local cemeteries, as Smith describes it. Their meetings, held on the first Thursday of each month at the Carthage
Water and Electric Community Room, bring together cemetery associations, local historians, genealogists and community service organizations. The society also encourages businesses related to cemetery upkeep, such as funeral homes and grave diggers, to get involved.
JCCPS’s community-driven approach ensures each cemetery’s stories are preserved for future generations.
“No matter what your skill set, we can get you plugged in,” Smith assures, adding that the society’s work unites people from across Jasper County, fostering a shared respect for history and heritage
In 2024, JCCPS was presented with an Award of Merit from the Missouri State Genealogical Society for its work reuniting families with the burial places of their ancestors.
JCCPS members invite all who are interested to learn more about their preservation work to visit their Facebook page, where they share updates, upcoming projects and volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s through direct involvement or spreading awareness, JCCPS continues to inspire a deep appreciation for the legacies held within Jasper
County’s cemeteries.
As Rikki Smith and her team prove, cemetery preservation is a testament to honoring the past and sustaining it for the future—one stone at a time.