Special Tribute
Tribute to Levi Dixon
I met Levi in 1998 and was really honor to meet a man of good character, integrity, and honor.
He was so smart until you could see it coming right out the pores of his body; he was already at work helping to restore the Evergreen Cemetery, I ask if he would mentor me and he said yes; I soaked everything up like a sponge that he showed me and to this day I reach back on what he has taught me in my work operating the cemetery and in some ways in my life.
He played a big part in breathing new life in the cemetery to bring fourth the history that I am about to share, this lost history of Florida. I truly miss him personally and working with him on such an important endeavor.
Levi arrived in Orlando, Florida in the mid-1960s after serving in the Air Force for approximately six years; soon after, he realized that despite the Civil Right Act of 1964, not enough progress had been made in his new hometown. While searching for work, he would be readily invited to interviews, only to be told in person, “You are too qualified for this position” or more candidly “We do not hire coloreds.”
In my heart I think God brought Levi to this Cemetery of Historic African-American Origins just for this time. Levi is now resting in peace in the Evergreen Cemetery that he so cherish.
Tribute to Ronald James Worswick
When I took over the Cemetery grounds in 1998 – 1999 and realize the over whelming work that had to be done at “Evergreen Cemetery”, I began to visit the surrounding businesses in the area.
I had for two weeks been making my way around to each one looking for help with the cemetery, the last one that I visited in that two week period was, Certified Slings; I went in and ask to speak to the manger instead got the “Owner” Ron Worswick which he said that is what he would like me to call him.
It didn’t look as if things would go so well, as I began to explain my visit with him; telling him of the history of this, Cemetery of “Historic African American Origins” asking him to partner with the cemetery, He then ask the question why?
So once again I proceeded to explain to him why and about my life how had I grown up around the cemetery and the important it was to me. We had a few words more; I then proceeded to leave his office not before we talked about difference kinds of animals mainly horses; he said wait, no one had ever spoken to me like that before.
Right then and there I realize god sent an angel in the form of Ronald James Worswick because we not only formed a partnership that day but good friendships as well, love, kindness, honor, respect and compassion won the day.
Over the years he step up and help the cemetery the best he know how; he really was a nice guy.
He really is truly missed; I always think of him in my heart.
Kind Regards,
Alton Williams,
Chairman
Evergreen Cemetery, Inc.
Supervised Volunteers:
- Help clean off the re-acquired property
- Cut palmetto bushes and low hanging limbs
- Place row and section markers (Ongoing)
- Remove broken vases, glasses and ceramic item from graves (Let me stop and ask that we not place glass or ceramic pieces on the graves as it is a safety issue)
- Rake, paint, etc. (Ongoing)
- Prep vaults to be lowered and align graves (since 2006 at no cost thanks to Atlas) (Completed 2016)
Volunteer Application and Rules
Before entering the Evergreen Cemetery to do “any” work a volunteer application must be completed. The application can be downloaded from the website. Please note: All volunteers must be approved, supervised, and willing to schedule “work” to be aligned with the sexton as he is a volunteer. We do have contracted maintenance. However, it is not 24/7.
If you wish to volunteer, please contact EverGreen Cemetery
In order for you to volunteer, you’ll need to fill out a waiver form. We also have applications for the bright future program if you wish to apply.
What Volunteers Mean To Us
- Kendy M. – I am a volunteer because I will be able to help the community.
- Jacky M. – I enjoy volunteering because I like giving back to the community.
- Valery M. – I like helping people and giving back to the people who have helped me out.
- Debra Jones – I enjoy volunteering because it helping others.
- Nathaniel Gadson – I am a volunteer because I wish to support the community that I grew up in all my life.
- Kennith Hunt – I just enjoy volunteering and working with and helping others.
- Meldred Wilder – I’m volunteering to give back to my community by helping my community.
- Sylvia Denson (not pictured) – Volunteer means giving back and helping others within the community. So the community can help itself.
- Yvette Madison (not pictured) – I just love working with and helping people knowing that God will always watch over others that help others.
Evergreen Cemetery Facts
- Evergreen Cemetery, Inc. is a Historical site (Historical Marker in place)
- Evergreen Cemetery, Inc. has acquired some of the original property back that had been quick claim deeded to the Casselberry’s years ago (We had to meet court and retain a lawyer for this)
- The cemetery is unlicensed.
- The Cemetery is exempt from most of the provisions of FL Statute 497; it operates under Chapter 497.60.
- It is a 501-C3 – not-for-profit organization (Levi Dixon, Contributor)
- Evergreen Cemetery Board Members are not paid-volunteers. Each is required to pay $120 per year to sit on the board
- Executive Board meetings are held every other month (minutes are recorded).
- The Annual Community and friends meetings (December) at the B & G Club, announcements are distributed (minutes are recorded).
- The Evergreen Cemetery gives community service awards to those who are outstanding supporters.
- Evergreen has Veteran Day programs and continue to recognize those who have paid the ultimate price by placing flags on their graves and those who have served.
- Evergreen Cemetery had a dedication day ceremony.
- Evergreen Cemetery’s accounts are audited every three months by Ralston and Associates (copies are filed).
- 990 Forms are submitted to the IRS
- Evergreen’s website: evergreencemetery.us
- Evergreen has scheduled contracted maintenance through Holmes Landscape.
- The sexton attends burials to make sure that the proper documentation and paperwork is accurate and collected for our records, also schedules and attends when (verified) headstones are delivered and placed.
- Florida Dept. of Agriculture & consumer Services Certificates are renewed each year.
Volunteerism At It’s Best
November 7th fundraiser for EverGreen Cemetery.
From left to right:
Kendy M., Jacky M., Valery M.
Debra Jones, Nathaniel Gadson, Kennith Hunt, Meldred Wilder.
At the November 7, 2010 fundraiser these volunteer worked hard to further the process in continuing a well maintained cemetery as well continuing plotting, signage and improve the road at the entry.
Click here to download Volunteer Registration Form
