News Summary
A family in Savannah is seeking accountability from the city for the ongoing damage to a mother’s headstone at Bonaventure Cemetery. Felisha Shellman, whose mother was buried there in 2019, expresses frustration over the declining condition of the memorial and the city’s refusal to take responsibility for the damages. Cemetery officials have made attempts to rectify the situation, but Shellman remains determined to seek justice for her mother’s grave and ensure it receives the respect it deserves.
Savannah – A family is calling for accountability from the city regarding the continued damage to a mother’s headstone at Bonaventure Cemetery, a historic burial site maintained by Savannah. Felisha Shellman is particularly frustrated about the repeated issues, as her mother, Annell, passed away in 2019 and had specifically requested to be buried at Bonaventure. Shellman has been advocating for the cemetery to take responsibility for the damage done to her mother’s memorial.
Shellman and her family frequently visit the cemetery, where they have noticed a decline in the condition of Annell’s headstone over the years. The problems began in 2022 when the vase affixed to the headstone fell off. While it was reattached, the recurring issues have prompted Shellman to take further action. In 2024, the vase was again reattached, but this time it was not centered correctly. Shellman’s attempts to contact the cemetery’s Risk Management department about the ongoing damage have been met with the news that the city does not take responsibility for damage at gravesites.
During a recent visit, Shellman discovered that the vase had fallen off completely. She expressed her frustration about the situation, stating that the headstone not only represents a significant financial investment but also holds sentimental value for the family. The continual damages have left her feeling disheartened about how her mother’s grave is being treated.
The city’s Maintenance Superintendent, Jack Hobby, was contacted regarding the concerns over the headstone. He stated there was no record of damage reported at the gravesite prior to the inquiry and emphasized that damage reports are typically investigated and addressed. Hobby later reached out to Shellman after learning of the situation from the inquiry made, offering to replace the vase as a gesture of goodwill.
In response to the family’s concerns, Mayor Van Johnson held a press conference expressing the city’s commitment to improving conditions at Bonaventure Cemetery. The mayor underscored the responsibility to care for both living residents and those who have passed away, highlighting the need for proper maintenance of the cemetery.
Shellman continues to pursue answers regarding the frequent issues with her mother’s headstone and insists on ensuring that her mother’s resting place receives the respect it deserves. She is determined to seek justice for her mother’s grave and restore its condition.
The family’s ongoing effort showcases not only the personal significance of the grave site but also raises broader questions about accountability and maintenance standards for cemeteries in urban settings. The situation at Bonaventure Cemetery highlights the emotional challenges families face when dealing with the memorials of their loved ones, especially when those memorials are not properly cared for.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Family Demands Answers After Repeated Headstone Damage
- Google Search: Savannah headstone damage
- WTOC: Savannah Woman Says Mother’s Headstone Damaged
- Google Scholar: Savannah cemetery maintenance
- WJCL: WWII Soldier Missing Finally Laid to Rest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cemetery maintenance
- WSAV: Savannah to Welcome Home Remains of WWII Airman
- Google News: Savannah cemetery
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
