HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Cleanup and removal of storm damage are expensive tasks, particularly for places like Olivewood Cemetery. The nonprofit organization Descendants of Olivewood oversees the upkeep and restoration of this historic site, but securing funds for cleanup is a constant struggle. Despite these challenges, the cleanup process is underway, thanks to community support.
The roar of chainsaws and the efforts of volunteers are helping to clear the hurricane damage left by Beryl. The storm resulted in the loss of up to 60 trees and damage to more than a dozen headstones.
“This is a huge task for us,” said Margott Williams, a member of the Descendants of Olivewood.
On Tuesday morning, volunteers from Cheniere Energy joined the effort to maintain the 150-year-old cemetery. However, federal assistance will not be forthcoming.
“Basically, FEMA says we don’t qualify as a museum or cultural site. They don’t fund cemeteries,” Williams said, expressing her disappointment.
For now, the cleanup relies on the help of organizations like Cheniere and dedicated individuals like Charles Cook, who has been mowing and edging at Olivewood for over 30 years.
“It’s all about community; we only come this way one time, try to leave it better than before,” Cook told, happy to lend a hand.
Olivewood Cemetery, a significant part of Houston and Texas history, needs support.
“This is a historical site. The people buried here in Olivewood helped weave the fabric of Houston and Texas. They tell the true American story,” Williams said.
