Different Types of Cemeteries and Their Meanings
Where you lay your loved one to rest is an important part of funeral planning. This place is where you will come to visit your loved one, and for many, the ritual of visiting and caring for their loved one’s final place of rest helps them feel as if they are still present. J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Home is committed to helping you make decisions and ensure every detail of your loved one’s memorial is addressed with love and care.
If you are planning a funeral for someone else or are doing advance planning for yourself, knowing what kinds of resting places are available and their significance can help you decide where you or your loved one will be buried.
Monument Cemetery: Also known as a monumental cemetery, this type of cemetery features monuments to mark grave plots. The memorials are usually made of granite, marble, or a combination of stone and bronze and tend to cost more than other burial options.
Memorial Park: 
Religious Cemeteries: These cemeteries are maintained by religious groups or orders for members of a specific
Municipal Cemetery: Municipal or public cemeteries are owned and cared for by the city or county in which they are located. Municipal cemeteries typically outsource cemetery services like opening graves and burial services to local funeral homes, and the public works department usually maintains upkeep. Municipal cemeteries tend to have lower plot and service costs.
Green Burial Grounds: Green burial grounds or natural cemeteries are reserved for those interested in a green burial, which doesn’t use embalming fluids, non-biodegradable caskets, headstones, or other materials that won’t degrade. Similar to a memorial park, these burial grounds focus on preserving the surrounding nature. Stuhr Funeral Home has partnered with Greenhaven Preserve, a natural burial cemetery in Eastover, SC, if you may be interested in an eco-friendly burial option.
To learn more about Greenhaven Preserve or other green burial grounds in South Carolina, please refer to the contact information below:
- Greenhaven Preserve
Address: 1701 Vanboklen Rd, Eastover, SC 29044
Phone: (803) 847-4948
- Dust to Dust Cemetery
Address: 205 Nulty Crossing Rd, Swansea, SC 29160
Phone: (803) 200-1075
- Saluda Rest Natural Burials
Address: 113 Edwards Rd, Marietta, SC 29661
Phone: (864) 884-9503
- Kings Mountain Preserve
Address: 321 Indian Springs Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702
Phone:877-375-2495
VA Cemeteries: These special cemeteries are owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on a
national level and by the state on a local level. They are reserved exclusively for those who qualify for veteran burial benefits. Stuhr Funeral Home has veterans on staff who can assist you with choosing a resting place in one of the 131 national cemeteries in the country or help you obtain proper benefits and honors if you choose to have your loved one buried in a private cemetery.
Family Burial Grounds: Though not as common today, burying a loved one in a family burial ground was popular during the 19th and 20th centuries. These grounds are reserved for members of the same family and can typically be found on family-owned farms. If you are interested in a family burial ground, be sure to check your state for regulations and laws. Some states ensure you can visit the grounds if the property is sold, while others do not.
While you may find the list of burial options overwhelming, the experienced team at J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Home can answer any questions you may have about the different types of cemeteries available. They can help ensure your loved one is laid to rest where they want to be and that you have a place to visit them.
Stuhr Funeral Home, a trusted name in funeral service for more than 150 years, cares for families of those whose lives have ended. Stuhr Funeral Home is committed to providing quality arrangements to honor loved ones and family traditions. For more information about available funeral services, visit JHenryStuhr.com or call (843) 723-2524.
