Laura Munson

Laura Munson was the driving force behind the modern restoration of White Rock Cemetery.

The cemetery would be completely forested and abandoned today if it were not for her leadership and tireless efforts in the 1990’s and 2000’s. She saw something special in White Rock Cemetery when others did not—and knew it was worth saving for future generations.

Munson formed the 501(c)(3) non-profit Historic White Rock Cemetery, Inc. (HWRC), in 1998 and served as its executive director until her retirement for health reasons around 2009.

In 1997 she orchestrated the donation of 13 acres of land adjoining the historic portion of White Rock Cemetery along Fishing Creek. The property was officially deeded to HWRC in 2000. In 2002 she coordinated the purchase of the house and lot at 2414 High Street for the benefit of the cemetery. She envisioned a small office, museum, and visitor center similar to the one at Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery, which had opened in the winter of 1997–1998.

Munson not only spent countless hours clearing and maintaining the cemetery grounds herself (her obituary noted “she could often be found hauling wheel barrows of rock” at the cemetery), but she also mobilized thousands of volunteers to assist her over the years, including many large church, school, and college groups. She mastered the art of organizing and leading volunteers while working for Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity in the 1990’s. Her dedication to the cemetery restoration and humble leadership inspired all who worked with her.

Please join us every July 17 to celebrate “Laura Munson Day” at White Rock Cemetery. This annual event was started by Dr. Sterling Wilder, Executive Director of the Jubilee Family Development Center, in 2021 to remember his friend and colleague.

Laura Munson’s obituary provides more detail about her life: https://tharpfuneralhome.com/funeralpress/laura-gene-munson/4564/