Wilcox Cemetery Board in good spirits thanks to anonymous donor

Each spring, the governor of Iowa declares May Cemetery Appreciation Month in appreciation of our ancestors’ resting places. “Iowans are aware of the need to preserve the rich heritage contained in our pioneer historical cemeteries,” reads the May 2021 proclamation, drawing a connection between respect for the past and concern for the future. 

Wilcox Cemetery in western Jones County is among the oldest in the area, incorporated in 1873. The Wilcox Cemetery volunteer board, in its own commitment to preserving the past for future generations, partnered with an anonymous donor last year to create an endowment fund that will provide an annual source of funding to benefit the cemetery forever. This Cemetery Appreciation Month, board members are grateful for the lasting impact the fund and future supporters will have on the preservation of this important piece of local history.

Known for its picturesque cedar trees and peaceful surroundings, Wilcox Cemetery faces a common challenge: maintaining and improving an aging property with limited income. 

“There is a constant effort to obtain funding for current expenses and assure funding is available for the future,” says Darwin Coleman, treasurer and secretary of the board. “We depend on local generosity to ensure the cemetery is cared for.”

Following a successful annual fundraiser that garnered the organization $12,000 in 2020, the anonymous donor graciously contributed $20,000 to help launch the new endowment fund with the Jones County Community Foundation. This year, the donor gave an additional $5,000. The fund will provide supplemental long-term income to the cemetery, ensuring dollars will be available for projects like road improvement, building maintenance, landscaping and repairing damaged and leaning stones.

“Much like Iowa’s historic cemeteries, community foundations are forever,” says Sherri Hunt, the Foundation’s executive director. “Our endowment funds are invested permanently, and the earnings from that investment provide annual funding to address our community’s greatest needs for generations to come.”

The Foundation also holds funds for the Merritt Cemetery and Oxford Junction Cemetery. 

Contact Hunt at jccf@dbqfoundation.org to learn more about how the power of endowment can support the needs of Jones County and its people.