LaFayette in Chambers County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery
Chambers County
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 11, 2020
1. Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery Marker
Inscription.
Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery. Chambers County. 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
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
Erected 2019 by Essie J. Handy Cemetery Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical date for this entry is October 17, 2018.
Location. 32° 53.276′
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N, 85° 24.427′ W. Marker is in LaFayette, Alabama, in Chambers County. Marker is on B Street, 0.4 miles south of 2nd Street SW, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 B St SW, Lafayette AL 36862, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 901 times since then and 208 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 11, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
