Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery Chambers County
Posted by: 
Markerman62
N 32° 53.275 W 085° 24.425
16S E 648999 N 3639986
Located at 400 B Street Southwest, LaFayette
Waymark Code: WM15WJM
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 03/09/2022
Views: 1
Elisha and Essie Handy came to La Fayette in 1925. They were educators and active in civic and religious activities. In 1940 their oldest son, Ralph, died from tuberculosis and was buried in the only cemetery in La Fayette for African-Americans at the time. Mrs. Handy went throughout the community asking for contributions to purchase land from Judge Grady for a new African-American cemetery. In 1949 she had her son's body exhumed and transferred to the new community cemetery bearing her name. Mrs. Handy led a prolific life. In 1945 she became the first African-American to vote in Chambers County and she was recognized as a Civil Rights leader in the area. Mrs. Handy met with President Lyndon B. Johnson and was invited to his Inauguration in 1965. Mrs. Handy privately operated the cemetery until her death in 1977. Subsequently, the cemetery was deeded to the City of Lafayette who recognized Mrs. Handy for her achievements and impact on the community. Listed in the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register on October 17, 2018
Marker Name: Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery Chambers County
Marker Type: Rural Roadside
Addtional Information::
Erected by Essie J. Handy Cemetery Historical Society
Date Dedicated / Placed: 2019
Marker Number: Not listed
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