We worked up an appetite walking the grounds of the Decatur Cemetery, using one of their printed guides to find the interesting residents here. We did notice four different errors in the guide, so there's that. The Decatur Cemetery is the oldest known publicly owned burial ground in metro Atlanta, believed to predate the city's 1823 incorporation. Rich and poor, free and slave, and yes, quite a few CSA soldiers laid to rest here. Most of the walkways are easily walkable but some are not. If you're mobility challenged, there is still quite a lot that is accessible. Military veterans, legislators, congressmen, authors and judges. Even one of the delegates to the Secession Convention. This is well worth your time to visit. Please be respectful as this is an active cemetery and there are people here encountering their own personal losses. [Review 234 of 2025 - 803 in Georgia - 23798 overall] read more

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This is a popular place to exercise it seems. There's a lot of rolling hills. People were playing fetch with their dogs among the graves which I think is kinda disrespectful, if not asking to be haunted, but you do you. You can drive your car in and park to the side of the road, considerately. I rode my bike through the paths which was peaceful. It's also a nice place to watch the sun set. There's a few geocaches here if you're into that. Obviously, there's super old historical graves as well. Anyway, if you like Oakland Cemetery, you should check the Decatur Cemetery out. read more

The tranquil Decatur Cemetery is a mere few blocks from the hustle and bustle of downtown Decatur, but you'd never know it once you've passed through the gates. We had a lovely time on a gorgeous spring day strolling about the old and new sections. Those who dig history will like puttering around the grounds; there are some really old tombstones here. Free and open to walkers, runners, and dogs, there are some spots like random benches, a gazebo, and a peaceful pond for contemplating life, death, and everything in between. It was nifty to see geese, a duck, fish, bullfrog tadpoles, and a turtle all chilling in the pond. Pick up a guide at the little office house in the new section and learn about and explore this unique facet of Decatur. read more

Decatur Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

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[March 11, 2021, 6:30pm] "Here lies Richard "Dick" Bronson 'Don't try.' June 5, 1990 - June 6, 2020" "That's crazy. Didn't think I'd see that today." I decided to get out of my house because I'm tired of staying indoors during this pandemic, but who isn't at this point. [it's been 11 and 1/2 months so far.] "Not everyday you get to see your gravestone, you okay, dude?" My friend Rory, and I decided it would be a nice change of pace to drink in a graveyard instead of meeting at each other's house to pass the time. I stare at the slab in front of me, confused but at peace, maybe someone else has the exact life I've lived until this point, which is cool, but kind of disheartening. I'm not mad, just confused. "Let's head on down to the steam that cuts through the back part of the cemetery." We have a cocktail and a few beers to share maybe that will un-shake me from this waking nightmare.[1] We hike to the back half if the cemetery to a spot out of the way of the general population, so we can get our drink on. Have both suffered losses in the past year, it only poignant that we celebrate among the dead, even if our fate is already laid out in front of us. "Dude! Look at this fucking ramp! I can't wait to hit it on my bike when my rib fully heals!" Some kids are here riding bikes and hanging out like we have before years ago. We March on to our spot and pop a bottle in celebration. "To our lost one, may we find them in the afterlife."[2] I pour out a cocktail for us to celebrate and get our minds off the shit-show that has been the past year of our life's. But it seems as if fate has other plans for us, even if we are trying to favour ourselves. [clink] I take a pull from my flask while Rory drinks from his tumbler. "I can't help but feel the icy cold grip of entropy still had a grasp on this heat of mine, and I don't think I will ever feel that release." "Yeah, I feel that." I'm sure he does but I can't help but feel like mine is worse." [see opening] We bullshit for a while enjoying to cocktail I made, and decide to pop a bottle of beer open that I've been sitting on for 5 years now, the floral aroma reminds me that I have no choice to except my fate. "I know this will pass but when does the end stop ending and the the next part of my life truly begin?" "I don't know man, it's not like you're gonna pass tomorrow or anything." [see opening] "I guess your right." It has been nine months from the date I saw earlier. "But I just can't help of feel this way." "Sucks man." He's always had a way with words. We finish one beer and open the next one, knowing that this could be our last, but who cares, the moment is all that matters right? "Too the one we care about, but are gone from this life we live, Congratulations!" I raise my glass to the sky as I burp up some of the booze we had earlier, knowing the stomach acid is wearing away at my soul. "Do you ever feel like you life is being written right before you, like an author is writing this drama/comedy of the universe right before your eyes?" the past year of my life had felt completely out of my control, but I've accepted that some things in this world I can't change. "The past 5 years of my life has felt like a blur, and had felt like a train slowly going off to rails; slowly destroying everything in front of itself. But I've emerged from it unscathed. [see opening] "I've gotten this far in life, I feel like I can push forward just a little bit more. Even if it feel like this current experience is killing me." [see opening] "Man, that grave stone really shook you. You sure you're okay?" Rory's doing his best to keep me grounded. "Im good, it's not like I'm buried over there."[3] As the night begins to fall we break down a small gathering site to head back to civilization. Fireflies light the path before us, dancing around the headstones as the technicolor sky gives way to darkness. A since of calm washes over me like I've never felt. "I'm dying" [what does it feel like?] "It's like a dream" [I wish I could dream.] --------- [1] "I wanted to do things to [Richard] that would make the sun grow cold with horror" - The Narrator [2] Memento Mori - an artistic or symbolic reminder of the inevitability of death. [3] "one must imagine sisyphus happy" read more

The Cinerarium is a special place. I am so grateful that my loved one's mother knew about it. It is a wonderful place full of love, life, peace and beauty. It's a place you can visit and see & hear the love in the angels & wind-chimes in the trees and bushes around you. Your view is of the beautiful aqueduct/stairway leading to the historic area. You can hear the birds in the nearby bird sanctuary. May I suggest that, if you think a memorial encroaches on another plot, please speak to Zach, the Cemetery director, rather than acting on your own. The cinerarium is a sacred neighborhood. If a neighbor makes a mistake, then let's correct it kindly and with the grace that all our loved ones deserve. read more

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As another reviewer stated, this is not a park but you can treat it as one. It's great for casual strolls after lunch or dinner and you can pick up a fair bit of history as a bonus. Decatur Cemetery is the largest greenspace in Decatur. Park anywhere along the streets. I usually park on Bell Street before passing through the front entrance. There's also a walkthrough entrance off Commerce next to the small Kroger, one from Glenlake Park and from Glenlake Ave. read more

Hello am Quentin Woodard my dad work for city of Decatur and I'm just trying to get the word out that my dad's health has turn for the worst he is on life support at DeKalb medical. I don't know if you knew him are but he is well known around the city of Decatur please if you could past the word around me and my family would greatly appreciated we could be reach 6782371324. Decatur Salutes Wilber Woodard 2012 Thomas O. Davis Public Servant Award recipient The Friends of Decatur Cemetery nominated Wilber Woodard for the 2012 Thomas O. Davis Public Servant Award. An excerpt from the nomination: ". . . Wilber exemplifies honesty, integrity and professionalism. He is helpful, friendly and respectful in all his public dealings. He remains a steadfast and knowledgeable presence during what is easily one of life's most stressful moments. Wilber has a gift for making each individual feel special. He seems to remember each person and many consider him a friend. One FODC member noted that "he makes you feel like he will personally oversee everything and it will all be done right and you do not need to worry about the details while you are grieving. "Wilber is a valued resource on Decatur families and Decatur history. The Friends of Decatur Cemetery find him responsive and very easy to work with as we endeavor to fulfill our mission to educate the community and restore this treasured part of our heritage . . ." The DBA established the Thomas O. Davis Award in memory of Thomas O. Davis, Decatur's city attorney from 1968 until his death in 2000. The first award was presented to the family of Thomas O. Davis in January 2001. read more

Ok, it's not really a park, but you can treat it like one. The Decatur Cemetary has lots of great features.. roads and paths for walking running or hiking and some remote areas that seem more like forest than a final resting place. You can park anywhere, there's lots of history to explore and your dogs will love it. Kids too, there's plenty of fun to be had feeding the ducks or watching the geese at the lake. It's an easy walk from Downtown Decatur. Normally it connects to Glenlake park and its pool, tennis courts, playground and dog park. Until December '09, that direct access is closed while the park is renovated. read more

I agree with Sheila - the Decatur Cemetery is a wonderful place for a jog or stroll - either for the fun of it or to see some Decatur history. The Cemetery itself is the oldest burial ground in Metro Atlanta (per Wikipedia) and has several notable graves, including that of Col. Milton A Candler (if you haven't heard of Candler then you don't know Atlanta) and Col. George Washington Scott, the founder of Agnes Scott College. One last thing to note: when there is snow in Atlanta - the cemetery has one of the best hills for sledding. Just be careful not to end up in the lake! read more

Just like Jane & Sheila said, this place is a pretty good place for an easy run. It doesn't feel creepy and it's pretty quiet too so you won't be annoyed by some of the same things you would at say Piedmont park. read more