General Services - Cemeteries Division
Division Manager - Johnell Bright
Phone: 919-560-4156
Fax: 919-560-4926
The General Services Department operates and maintains the City's two cemeteries, Maplewood and Beechwood. Services offered include lot sales, columbarium and mausoleum sales, burials, and landscaping and maintenance of the properties.
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Maplewood Cemetery: 1621 Duke University Road |
The town of Durham established Maplewood cemetery in 1872. Over one hundred acres of history lies behind the gates of our cemetery. Many of Durham's most prominent citizens rest here, including Dr. Bartlett Durham and members of the Washington Duke family.
Maplewood is shaded by century old trees and lined with narrow lanes winding through the numerous sections. Stones and monuments of visual interest are marked with elaborate sculptured figures and symbols of the Victorian era.
The Duke Mausoleum is located on the highest knoll in the cemetery. Washington Duke, and sons Benjamin Newton Duke, and James Buchanan Duke were re-interred in the Chapel of Duke University upon its completion. The Tomb still contains the remains of eldest son, Brodie Duke, and several women of the Duke family including philanthropist Mary Duke Biddle.
Still owned by the City of Durham, Maplewood Cemetery is located at 1621 Duke University Rd. It offers burial options for traditional full burials as well as cremation. Currently we are selling burial space in section 16, 17 and 19, and four grave lots (allowing upright monuments) are available in sections 2, and 3. There are a few various sized lots available in other sections as well. Information is available upon request
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Beechwood Cemetery: 3300 Fayetteville Street |
The town of Durham established Beechwood Cemetery around 1924. Over 74 years of Durham's history rests behind the gates of our Cemetery. Prominent Monuments bearing such names as, Clemons, Spaulding, Merritt, and Moore can be found within.
Still owned by the City of Durham, Beechwood Cemetery is located at 3300 Fayetteville Street. It offers burial options for traditional full burials as well as cremation. Currently w burial space is being sold in section E and G. Four grave lots (allowing upright monuments) are available in these sections as well. There are a few various sized lots available in other sections, and information is available upon request.
Our newest features are; a four crypt Mausoleum and Section G, which are both nestled peacefully in the back portion of the Cemetery surrounded by a variety of native trees.
All single graves are required to have single flat markers (some sections also require a floral vase), which are installed flush with the ground. Companion markers are allowed in designated sections with the appropriate lot size. In order to have an upright monument you must have four or more grave spaces in a designated area.
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The Columbarium at Maplewood |
One of our newer additions at Maplewood Cemetery is the Columbarium, which now offers an alternative to in ground cremation burials. Completed in 1998, the Columbarium is constructed of brick and Dakota mahogany granite. The Columbarium contains 129 double niches, each accommodating two cremains for a total of 258 occupants
Similar in concept to a community Mausoleum, our Columbarium is located just inside the main cemetery entrance on Duke University Rd., directly across from the office. An ornate brick walkway bordered by liriope leads into the memorial court that fronts the Columbarium. Graceful river birch trees rise behind the structure, softened by Nellie Stevens hollies, and light pink Indian Hawthorne.
The Columbarium offers several options other than entombment, for remembering loved ones. There are two granite benches and several Dakota mahogany granite plaques in the courtyard and walkway. These can be engraved with information for loved one's whose cremains were scattered, or who are buried in another location.