Since the inception of the Odd Fellows Cemeteries in Greenwood, the Odd Fellows fraternal organization faithfully carried out the mission of caring for the resting places for the Greenwood community’s loved ones. In 2011, the need became evident for an organization that would be willing to take up the torch of honor so faithfully carried by the Greenwood Odd Fellows for decades.
Out of that need, the Greenwood, MS Cemetery Association was born. The initial meeting of the GMCA took place on May 11, 2011. Individuals representing twelve local churches who agreed to serve on the board of the GMCA were present. Through that meeting and others, the mission of the GMCA was formed.
Our mission is to maintain, improve and preserve the two Odd Fellows cemeteries in Greenwood (Odd Fellows, Carrollton Avenue and Odd Fellows, Hwy 82 East) through improved landscaping, weed and pest control and good stewardship of our resources while preparing a financial foundation that will provide funding for the continued care of the cemeteries in perpetuity.
“It is an honor to work with an organization that has such an important undertaking. These cemeteries hold keys to the histories of our families and community. There are stories and memories that we all have that must be preserved and respected. We can do this best by providing a peaceful and beautiful place of rest for our families. Everyone in this organization takes pride in what they do. From the volunteers to the employees, there is a sense of responsibility and service to the families of the cemeteries. I have heard it said that you can tell a lot about a community by the way the cemeteries are respected. This is an honorable mission and I am glad to be a part of it." - Russell Robertson
"My involvement with Odd Fellows Cemetery comes as a result of having been raised in Greenwood and being aware of so many fine people who have had an influence on this town and my life who are buried there. I had become aware of the need to have some organization take up running the cemetery. It was obvious the average age of the then (2012) Odd Fellows Lodge was probably 80, and figuring the probable expectancy of it as a viable entity, it was time to find another organization to take over the care. I spoke with Charles Peel and Gene Stansel at first and the 3 of us decided we would see what could be done. In our discussions, we figured the churches in town would be the groups with the significant interest for their members in seeing it survive. So, we decided to approach them about furnishing the Board of Directors a volunteer board member, who would make decisions going forward running the cemetery. As we saw it, money for a long-term fund to maintain the cemetery into the future was the most pressing need. In addition, we were aware of the gradual decline in maintenance in the cemetery and which had to be affecting lot sales and a desire by the public to be buried there. We started a newsletter and ran newspaper advertising soliciting donations. Plus, we started enforcing the existing rules people bought into when they purchased lots. Our desire was to clean the cemeteries of unsightly clutter. Our desire was to provide a well maintained, dignified place where our loved ones would be buried that would be inviting and be a testament to their lives and the influence they had on us. We hope our patrons and their families feel we have accomplish that and, are working toward better things to come." - Randy Clark