Lee's Summit Historical Cemetery History
Walking Tour Description
For a self guided tour of the cemetery, download the brochure that will highlight famous and infamous "residents" at the Lee's Summit Historical Cemetery.
Interactive Map
Use a searchable interactive map to explore the cemetery and find the names of people interred there.
Victorian Cemetery Symbolism Represented
Animals
Birds in Flight: graves of children, eternal life.
Dove: holy spirit, purity, devotion, divine spirit. When shown with an olive sprig it means hope or promise.
Dog: loyalty.
Lamb: child’s grave, purity and innocence.
Lion: courage, resurrection.
Body Symbolism
Arms Outstretched: the plea for mercy.
Hands: symbol of leaving.
Hands, clasped: marriage, close bond between individuals, farewell or last good-bye. The person who died first holds the other’s hand.
Hands, holding an open book: the embodiment of Faith.
Hands, joined hearts: marriage.
Hand, pointing downward: mortality or sudden death.
Hand, pointing upward: confirmation of life after death, heavenly reward.
Hands, praying: connote devotion, asking God for eternal life.
Geometric Symbolism
Latin Cross: eternity or never-ending existence.
Cross: eternity or never-ending existence.
Objects
Angels: guardians of the dead, symbolizing spirituality.
Flying Angel: rebirth.
Weeping Angel: grief, mourning an untimely death.
Bible: religious lay person or a cleric.
Book: faith, knowledge (commonly a double page spread).
Cherubs: graves of children.
Column, broken: early grief, end of life, sorrow, life cut short too soon. Usually represents the loss of the family head.
Columns, with archway: heavenly entrance.
Drapery, over anything: sorrow, mourning.
Obelisk: marks a family plot.
Scroll: symbol of life and time, life that is unfolding, past and future hidden, honor and commemoration.
Stones, shaped like tree stumps: woodman of the world.
Sun Setting: death.
Sun Shining/Rising: renewed life.
Urn: mourning.
Urn, draped: death, often of an older person.
Plants
Calla Lily: symbolizes marriage.
Daffodil: death of youth, desire, deep regard.
Dogwood: Christianity, triumph of eternal life.
Fern: sincerity, sorrow.
Flower: frailty of life.
Ivy: memory, immortality, friendship, fidelity, faithfulness, undying affection, eternal life.
Grapes: represent Christ.
Grapes and Leaves: Christian faith.
Holly: foresight.
Laurel Leaves: special achievement, distinction, success, triumph.
Lily: majesty, innocence, purity and resurrection.
Oak Tree: hospitality, stability, strength, honor, eternity, endurance, liberty.
Rose: love, beauty, hope, unfailing love. Whether a rose is a bud, flower or somewhere in between indicates how old the person was at time of death.
Tree: tree of life.
Tree, severed branch: mortality.
Vine: the sacraments, God’s blood, God.
Weeping Willow: nature’s lament, a symbol of sorrow and mourning.
Wheat: resurrection, bread and wine, fertility.
Wheat, sheaves: the aged.