This beautiful & well maintained cemetery lays adjacent to H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments & Eastern…read moreShore Chapel Episcopal Church. It is on the north side of the dead end section of Laskin Road as that street approaches Great Neck Road from the east. The tree filled cemetery is a serene final resting place. The only interruption is the sound of low flying fighter jets landing at Oceana Master Jet Base. But somehow that feels fitting, especially when laying to rest a long time resident of our city. Look here for history also. Many burials & tombstones from centuries ago have been moved to this cemetery as development encroachment disturbed what was meant to be their final resting place. One's heart may be sad as a dear family friend is laid to rest. But leaving them in such a peaceful place is a comfort.

Largest of Norfolk's 8 municipal cemeteries with 165+ acres of land that hosts a natural arboretum,…read moreof 70+ tree species: crape myrtles, black walnut trees, dogwoods, live oaks, Chinese fringe trees, hollies, maples and more. Most important to our family, this is where my father is buried. It's easy to access off of Granby St with several points of entry/exit that connect to paved roads swirling throughout the property. Open to the public, sun up to sun down, with an ADA ramp and restrooms. Signage present denoting each se toon of the cemetery. The city employees do a good job keeping up the grounds. I've never thought any area was overgrown or unkept.

Not that I have a lot of cemetery's to compare to but I was really happy with this one. We did a…read morelittle family research only to find out our great grandfather was buried someplace in Norfolk. This cemetery has a great data base that located his plot in less then 5 mins. With the name of location we were able to browse the streets and easily find him resting peacefully. We were expecting an over grown plaque. Instead we found all the stones very well kept. The lawn was very clean and no stone was covered with grass or weeds. If you are planning to book your stay may I recommend this location.

The 5 Star Rating is because of Elmwood's history, burials & remarkable sculptures & mausoleums. If…read morethe review was for its current unkempt state its rating would be far different. The condition of the cemetery, owned by the City of Norfolk, is deplorable. Their budget allocation for the city owned & maintained property must be woefully inadequate. Elmwood Cemetery sits on the north side of East Princess Anne Road near its intersection with Monticello. Directly adjacent on the west is West Point Cemetery, the history of which deserves its own review. Across the road is the older Cedar Grove Cemetery. The entrance is guarded by stately brick columns and surrounded by a brick wall. Enter into a veritable picture of Norfolk's History. Elmwood, opened in 1853, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was established because the older Cedar Grove was nearly full. Drive past beautiful old mausoleums & picturesque grave markers & tombstones. There is a plethora of styles many designed in fascinating Victorian style. Some were designed by a Norfolk sculptor of international fame, who is also buried in the cemetery. A walking visit to marvel at the innovative artwork is a reason to visit without consideration of the burials. Follow the entrance to the cemetery's office, which is no longer staffed. In earlier years an employee of Norfolk Cemeteries manned the office and assisted one in locating burial spots. They kept a book of internments, including the occupants of the multi grave burial lots, which were purchased and inherited by descendants. Permits & fees still apply for opening a grave. Now with an unstaffed office an information board has a QR code to direct one to a Web Site for a search. The catalog has been digitized with individuals, plot numbers & location within the cemetery. A picture of one of the records found by the search is included in this review. Due to this current unkempt state of the cemetery navigating the grid to find the unmarked aisles & lanes is almost impossible. But that's a later story. For those interested in the Revolutionary War you'll find not just Patriots, but also a Real Daughter of the American Revolution, the daughter of Patriot Matthew Floyd. You'll find the final resting place of a Virginia Governor, U.S. Senators & Congressmen, one of the first two women House of Delegates members & local city leaders for whom many of the city's streets are named. In addition to the city's wealthy & famous you'll find gravesites for the poor in the paupers plot at the back of the cemetery. There's even an early actress, artisans, artists and those in their time who were just ordinary citizens. As would be expected in our coastal seaport you'll find gravesites of sailors, including individuals who died in ship wrecks, some to a violent storm. A local legend is that the Captain's wife and child died on the shipwreck of "The Dictator" off the coast of Virginia Beach. The mother was buried in Elmwood, separated from her child. There could be sounds of a child crying at the Oceanfront. The crying ended when the child was interred with its Mother. A mass grave exists for victims of the yellow fever plague, which ravaged the city. All this beauty and history is threatened by the lack of maintenance. Ivy has overgrown many beautiful markers & sculptures. Aisles & lanes are overgrown, some completely covered with grass so one has no idea if it's an actual lane. Even having a cemetery map & plot information we were unable to locate burial plots we had previously found with ease. This historic gem of Norfolk's past with its beautifully designed sculptures & mausoleums lies as threatened as the waterfront. But the reason is different. It could easily be cleaned & maintained with proper funding.

I must admit that old graveyards are my jam. Okay, it may seem weird, but I am not alone. A…read moregraveyard is a museum of a different kind. The history and the beauty captivate me. As well I love capturing them through photos. Not to mention it's great exercise when done on foot too! Elmwood Cemetery established in 1853 is the cities second oldest public burial space. It is a beautiful example of a Victorian rural park cemetery. It was placed on the National Register for historic places in 2013. It is 1 of 3 featuring Yellow Fever mass graves. At its height in 1850 one hundred Norfolk residents a day succumbed to the deadly disease. Also VA Governor Littleton Waller Tazewell 1774-1860 remains are here. Hundreds who fought in the Civil War have their final place of rest at Elmwood. There is a memorial statute toward the front by the cemetery office. The huge Core mausoleum seen from the road is the center piece and most famous on the grounds. Built in 1910 for $100k and featuring two beautiful brass statutes flaking the entrance Also of note is the Recording Angel that watches over Euphania Couper's grave site. Her world renowned artist son William who was a Norfolk native designed it. (See pic for the inscription on the scroll) The property is in fair/poor condition with a back brick wall caved in, markers damaged, or destroyed. Robberies to get brass etc. have been an issue over the years. There are efforts by a local group to fund restoration of the three burial sites that are grouped together. The city has on going conservation efforts as well thru NorfolkSocietyforCemeteryConservation.org or their Facebook page. The next time you feel an urge to learn about the history of Norfolk in a different way check Elmwood, or its sisters Cedar the first Municipal cemetery in Norfolk and West Point. Tours are available by appointment only.

About 24 years ago I was approached on Mothers Day (while grieving at my Mother's grave) by one of…read moretheir salesman trying to sell me a cemetary plot. It happened again today. This time I was approached as I entered the cemetary by an employee that wanted me to fill out a raffle ticket! On my exit I was approached by more employees trying to do the same. What a deplorable, greedy, and tasteless way to do business. It is shameful, disgraceful and disrespectful to prey upon people who are only there to visit and mourn the loss of their loved ones.

I lost my grandmother on 7/9/20 & my grandfathers in 2015 & 2017. They are all buried out here. I…read morehaven't had any experience with dealing with their staff. I simply was there for the burials. The cemetery looked very well kept. The staff on the grounds were friendly. I watched them put my granny in the ground when they thought all of my family had left. I've never stayed at a cemetery long enough to witness that. They seemed to take great care in burying her. I don't know know about their pricing or sales practices. Looking at the other reviews, I'm a bit concerned there. If I ever needed their services in the future for a family member, I may consider them.

We drove past Oman several times while visiting my Dad who was on hospice at a facility nearby. I…read morelooked at the reviews, which were very good and decided to use them for my Dad's final arrangements. The staff were pleasant and helpful. They follow strict procedures for cremation process and explained all the rules thoroughly. Our Dad passed away late at night and they came pretty fast to pick him up and handled the task very professionally, while providing dignity and respect. I think the price was fair as well.

Absolutely would not trust any other company. The general manager Tim took such amazing care of my…read morefather and then a few short months later grandmother. the building is very pretty and extremely clean. They treat all family with such respect and they are 100% there for the family and try and help how ever they can. They are just absolutely amazing and very professional! When it comes to the service they are great at making sure its exactly what you want and how you want. they also provide a nice big black bus for families to travel in the day of services.

In need of some attention, located about a mile down a narrow country lane from the signpost on…read moreCedar Road, you'll find the "Unknown & Known Afro-Union Civil War Soldiers Memorial." I don't know why it's way out here in the countryside. The park honors the Afro-Union patriot heroes who fought for the Union during the Civil War in the US Colored Troops regiments. Tall trees block the sunlight so the grass is bare. The caption in the park is cracked and scratched and effectively illegible. And there's no parking except some cracked concrete in front of a small business across the way. This memorial needs some serious attention. [Review 10840 overall, 610 of 2019.]

I'm updating my review because I found out that this is essentially a private cemetery. That's why…read moreGoogle won't add it to their map. It's clear that the family likes respectful visitors, because of the signage. The historical marker was originally done by a boy scout troop and it would be great if there was a way to get it refurbished.

During one of the worst days of our lives, Candice at Graham Funeral Home treated our family with…read moresuch care, compassion, and constant support. She truly made a difficult time a little more manageable. The funeral home itself is clean, beautiful, and thoughtfully maintained. Every detail was handled with intention, and it did not go unnoticed. We are so grateful.

Scott and his team at Graham Funeral Home were wonderful to work with when my dad passed away…read moreunexpectedly. They handled everything and took the stress off of mom and myself when planning the service. They walked us through everything step by step and never once pressured us to make a decision we weren't ready to make. They checked on us along the way and provided us with so much comfort. Every time we left or talked to Scott we always said how nice and caring he was. The service and reception following was perfect. Scott and his team did an amazing job and we will be forever thankful for the way they carried us through our darkest days. Even after the service, Scott reached out to remind us he will always be here if we need him. There is no better place to have your loved ones cared for than Graham Funeral Home. The family there is truly something special.

It is with a sad heart that I'm in attendance of this place again. To lay to rest my dearest…read morefriend's son. My heart breaks for her. Graves does an amazing job and is very professional.

Graves Funeral Home, Inc. served my family with so much love, care and dignity. They treated me and…read moremy family with so much kindness and professionalism. They took care of me and my family when my husband died 3 years ago with EXCELLENCE. Now a week ago they took care of me and my family when my mother passed away with the same amount of EXCELLENCE. They have truly demonstrated to me, my family and community that they truly have a heart for people. Thank you, J W. Johnson (A. M. Wright-deceased) Love, The Family