Woodlawn Cemetery, which has long been regarded as a cornerstone of African American history in Moore County, is the focus of renewed preservation efforts as local organizations and volunteers work to restore and maintain the historic site.
Woodlawn Cemetery sits in historic West Southern Pines, one of North Carolina’s first incorporated Black townships, established in 1923. The property is adjacent to the former West Southern Pines Rosenwald School, built in 1924.
“For many generations, Woodlawn Cemetery was the only resting place where African Americans were permitted to be buried,” says the Southern Pines Land & Housing Trust (SPLHT), which oversees the cemetery’s care. “Because of this, Woodlawn hosts a formidable number of 190 military service members and other freedom fighters, not only from West Southern Pines, but also community members from Greater Moore County, are laid to rest here.”
Since 2021, management has been led by Bill Ross, the trust’s vice chairman and a retired U.S. Army veteran and former Moore County Schools employee. Ross and board member Tangela Upchurch have worked together to improve the grounds, identify available burial space, and coordinate volunteer support.
Local groups—including Pinecrest High School’s ROTC, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and area garden clubs—regularly assist with cleanup and beautification projects. Trust leaders say those efforts have made a visible difference.
“The Southern Pines Land & Housing Trust takes immeasurable honor in managing this sacred land,” reads a release from the trust.
A West Southern Pines family poses at Woodlawn.
Woodlawn’s landscape is marked by tall pines and seasonal color from azaleas and dogwoods, features that contribute to the cemetery’s character but also require ongoing maintenance. The trust’s next major project focuses on revitalizing the grounds through tree and vegetation removal, clearing accumulated pine straw, manicuring grave sites, and removing artificial flowers.
“As we know, nature requires loving care and maintenance,” write officials with the trust. “The maintenance factor is our next major revitalization project for our beloved Woodlawn Cemetery.”
SPLHT has an “effective plan in place that will give Woodlawn the proper refinement it deserves,” which includes:
• Extracting certain trees and other vegetation that require removal.
• Raking and repurposing or proper disposal of several pounds of pine straw over 5 acres.
• Manicuring grave sites.
• Removing artificial flowers.
Once completed, the work is expected to make long‑term upkeep more manageable.
The trust continues to seek volunteers and community support for the project, as trust officials say the cemetery remains central to their mission and to the community’s heritage.
“If you have not had a chance to participate in our Woodlawn projects, we are always accepting volunteers to help with beautification,” adds the trust. “Families in participation with us, we thank you for your dedication and service to Woodlawn. We want you to be assured that as SPLHT is working on advancing our overall purpose, our Historic Woodlawn Cemetery will always be the heart of our movement.”
Feature photo: Mr. Bill Ross poses for a photo at the historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
Photos via The Southern Pines Land & Housing Trust.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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