Meet the GraveGeeks: WV Grave Cleaning, Stories from the Graveyard, and TheDevotedShadow

At GraveGeek Volunteers Inc., our mission is carried forward by dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to preserving history. From cleaning and documenting headstones to researching forgotten stories and protecting historic cemeteries, each volunteer helps ensure that the people of the past are not forgotten.

Every month we highlight members of the GraveGeeks community whose passion and dedication make this work possible. Each volunteer comes to cemetery preservation through a different journey, but they all share a common goal—honoring those who came before us and protecting the stories they left behind.

This month we’re proud to introduce WV Grave Cleaning (Ashley), Stories from the Graveyard (Lacey), and TheDevotedShadow (Kelly)—three volunteers whose work and commitment reflect the heart of the GraveGeeks community.

WV Grave Cleaning (Ashley)

West Virginia • Cemetery Volunteer

Ashley, known for her work through WV Grave Cleaning, began her cemetery preservation journey after seeing the condition of a family cemetery. Witnessing the deterioration of the stones inspired her to step in and begin caring for them, ensuring that the memories they represented would not disappear.

What started as a personal effort quickly grew into a passion for preservation and historical storytelling. For Ashley, the most meaningful part of cemetery work is helping bring forgotten stories back into the light so that the people behind the stones can continue to be remembered.

Her volunteer work focuses on cleaning and research, combining hands-on preservation with the discovery of the lives and histories connected to the stones she cares for.

Ashley found her way to GraveGeeks while searching for others who shared the same passion for cemetery preservation and historical storytelling.

Her advice for anyone just beginning their preservation journey:

“It’s ok to ask questions and reach out if you need help.” 

Stories from the Graveyard (Lacey)

Illinois • Cemetery & Research Volunteer

Lacey, also known as Stories from the Graveyard, began her journey into cemetery preservation through her interest in family history research. What started with genealogy soon expanded into hands-on preservation work as she realized how often historic headstones are the last remaining trace of someone’s existence.

For Lacey, restoring and protecting those stones is about more than maintenance; it’s about safeguarding the only physical reminder that a person once lived, loved, and was part of a community.

Her volunteer work covers a wide range of preservation efforts, including cleaning, repairing, resetting stones, documenting graves, researching families, and contributing to Find A Grave. She is also helping develop a digital cemetery index and creating markers for previously unmarked burials, ensuring that even those without headstones are remembered.

Lacey became involved with GraveGeeks after discovering a welcoming and supportive community of people who shared the same passion for cemetery preservation and historical research.

Her advice to new volunteers is simple but important:

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions!” 

TheDevotedShadow (Kelly AKA Kay Kay)

Florida • Cemetery & Research Volunteer

TheDevotedShadow's (Kelly/Kay Kay) journey into cemetery preservation began in high school when she needed volunteer hours for graduation. Through a Navy program, she participated in community volunteer work, including helping with her town’s cemetery committee. Her mother joined her in the effort, and the two eventually became co-presidents of the committee, developing documentation processes and helping preserve the cemetery’s history.

Although life changes eventually slowed that work, Kelly later rediscovered her interest in genealogy and cemetery preservation while exploring her own family history. That curiosity eventually led her to the GraveGeeks community, where she found renewed inspiration to continue preserving history.

Today, she contributes to many aspects of preservation work, including cleaning, mapping, researching, and documenting historic graves, while continuing to expand her knowledge of repair techniques.

For Kelly, the most rewarding part of this work is simple:

“Remembering those before us.” 

She credits the GraveGeeks community with helping reignite her passion for preservation and historical work.

Her advice to volunteers who are just starting out:

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out.”

Every cemetery holds countless stories waiting to be rediscovered, and every volunteer helps ensure those stories survive. The journeys of Ashley, Lacey, and Kelly show that cemetery preservation can begin in many ways—through family history, community service, or simply noticing that a place in need of care deserves it.

What matters most is the willingness to act.

Each month, we will continue to share the stories of volunteers who help preserve cemeteries and the histories they represent. Their work reminds us that honoring the past is a responsibility we all share.

History endures because people care enough to protect it—and we are grateful for every GraveGeek who helps carry that mission forward.

With Love,

TashasGraveAdventures