Historic cemetery reopens days after shocking loved ones with sudden closure

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - A historic Birmingham cemetery appeared to reopen just as suddenly as it closed down.

Families of loved ones buried at Zion Memorial Gardens were shocked to find a note on the business’s front door on May 17 that said the cemetery was closed.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are closed for business. We are limiting our assistance to burial service planning only,” the sign read. Below that was a phone number that reportedly sent callers to voicemail.

Previous coverage: Families left in limbo after Zion Memorial Gardens cemetery posts ‘closed for business’ sign on office door

That same Sunday, WBRC found headstones behind the main office building. Some families contacted the station, reporting that their family member’s headstones, which had been paid for, were among those in the pile.

Families had reported for years that graves were without markers. Others were reportedly placed on the wrong plots.

By May 20, a new sign listing business hours was placed on the door.

The Alabama Board of Funeral Services was reportedly investigating.