Williamsburg Memorial Park

Your community cemetery.

WWII 70th Anniversary Wreath-Laying

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On behalf of everyone at Williamsburg Memorial Park, we’d like to thank the nearly 150 members of our community who attended our WWII 70th Anniversary Global Wreath-Laying. This event was sponsored by the Spirit of ’45 organization and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. It was designed to celebrate the end of World War II and honor all those who served in the defense of our great nation.

Williamsburg Memorial Park was selected as one of more than 2,000 locations worldwide to participate in the “longest continuous wreath-laying ceremony in history.” What made this event even more special were the 29 veterans from the Battle of the Bulge who attended this very moving ceremony. For more details, please check out the excellent WYDaily article by Ty Hodges.

Our Master of Ceremonies was Colonel Alan R. Cunningham, USAR (Ret) and President of Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Inc, who was joined by guest speaker, US Army Colonel William S. Galbraith, Commander of the 733rd Mission Support Group. We were also joined by the famous Spirit Express bus and Auston O’Neill–nationally recognized Spirit of ’45 Bugler.

Williamsburg Memorial Park is very proud to have played a part in this very special event. We remain committed to all our veterans, both living and deceased, and will continue to participate in meaningful programs such as this.

Thank You
We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations, who graciously donated their time to make this event possible:

  • Colonel Alan Cunningham, USAR (Ret), VBOB President
  • Colonel William S. Galbraith, US Army Commander
  • Bill White, Commander, American Legion Post 39
  • Boy Scouts of America Troops 103 and 155
  • James City County Police
  • VFW Post 4639 Color and Honor Guards
  • Virginia Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders
  • The WYDaily
  • Auston O’Neill and the Spirit Express
  • Alberta Prather, National Anthem singer
  • Staff Sgt Ray Gresham, US Army (Ret)
  • Patrick Brion, Belgian Army Photographer

Additional Info
Printed programs will be handed out at the park
Limited seating is available
Parking is free

Program
Click on the image below for a PDF of the official program.

World War II 70th Anniversary Program

Video Tribute
View Elton John’s Oceans Away Tribute

Date/Time
Sunday, August 16, 2015
9:00 am–10:00 am

Location
Williamsburg Memorial Park
130 King William Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23188

Additional Info
Veteran’s of the Battle of the Bulge Reunion Schedule
Limited seating is available
Free Parking

Tribute to Ava Dorman

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It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our dear friend and former colleague, Ava Dorman. Ava was one of God’s most faithful children and it showed in every aspect of her life. While she was a member of Williamsburg Memorial Park, she comforted hundreds of grieving families and represented our park with tremendous professionalism. She was one of the most honest, caring, and dedicated people we have ever known and she was loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to have known her. Click here to learn more about Ava and her wonderful life.

I remember the day I met Ava. I was looking for a family services counselor and after spending some time with her, I knew she would be perfect. She had a personality that would light up a room and a smile that was truly infectious. Ava had a wonderful sense of humor and was funny even when she wasn’t trying to be. She was also a diehard Baltimore Raven’s fan and enjoyed bowling with her friends and family.

I will miss our Monday morning football conversations, even though I rooted for the other team; I will miss our mutual quest to find the best pizza in town; and I will miss the excitement in Ava’s voice when she shared with me the details of a particularly good bowling game. But most of all I will miss seeing and talking to my friend. –Angela Byrum, General Manager, Williamsburg Memorial Park

Ava’s services will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 10:30 AM at New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her committal services will be held at Williamsburg Memorial Park immediately thereafter. All ceremonies are open to the public.

We are truly honored that Ava selected Williamsburg Memorial Park as her final resting place and we think it’s very fitting that she’ll be laid to rest here, alongside the many family members she helped throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ava’s family and friends during this very sad time.

We will miss you, Ava.

The Hidden Treasure is Our People

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The Board of Directors of Williamsburg Memorial Park shares with this community great pride in the ongoing development of the memorial park. We are very grateful to the staff of Next Door Neighbors for bringing everyone’s attention to the tremendous accomplishments of our general manager, Angela Byrum. Each day, Angela serves our community graciously and professionally in a position that requires all of the blessed talents for which she is so well known.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to learn more about Angela and her passion for her family, her community, and her clients. To read the article, please click here. On behalf of everyone at Williamsburg Memorial Park, we would like to thank Angela for nearly 10 years of excellent service, support, and her ongoing commitment to our great cemetery and the community for which it serves.

James Kelly
President, Board of Directors
Williamsburg Memorial Park

Customer Care Center Now Open!

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On Monday, May 27th, immediately following our 2013 Memorial Day Celebration, Williamsburg Memorial Park commemorated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art Customer Care Center with a traditional ribbon-cutting.

After the ceremony, families, and friends who attended our Memorial Day Celebration were treated to cake and beverages and invited to tour the new facility. “The new building is simply wonderful. I’m delighted that it turned out so well.”, said Baxter Carr, former President of the Williamsburg Memorial Park Board of Directors.

Our new 3,600 sf. Customer Care Center features easier access, a more comfortable environment, public restrooms, and the latest cemetery technology. It also includes many energy-saving features, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, compact fluorescent lighting, occupancy sensors, and water-saving utilities. If you need help with pre-planning, have an immediate need, or would like to tour our new facility please call or email us.

Pictured below from left to right are members of our staff and our esteemed Board of Directors, including Mr. James Taylor (president), Ms. Angela Byrum (general manager), Mr. M. Anderson Bradshaw (vice president), Ms. Taryn Haden (board member), Mr. Robert Hershberger (board member), and Ms. Cynthia Long Porter (family services counselor.)