Clement Cemetery, also known as deDie-Richardson Cemetery, on Silver Street just south of Vicksburg, is actually two distinct cemeteries sharing the same space, according to Dusti Morton, who has taken on the task of researching and restoring Clement Cemetery. According to Morton, “The deDie-Richardson Cemetery is actually a Brady Township working cemetery, with plots available and funerals still taking place.”
A roadside historic marker, installed as part of the William G. Pomeroy Hometown Heritage program, was dedicated November 2, 2025, in front of approximately a dozen people including some descendants of the pioneers buried there. “Clement Cemetery holds the resting places of Vicksburg’s pioneers, whose names can be found on the streets and buildings in Vicksburg today,” Morton said. “The marker will honor their memories.”
Morton has trouble expressing what it is about historic burial places that draw her to them, but in a conversation it’s clear she enjoys unraveling the mysteries as much as she does cleaning, repairing, and properly placing the memorial head and foot stones. “Advances in information cataloging and programs like Find A Grave have made it easier to do the work,” Morton said, “but also opens a bigger search when divorce, remarriages, and relocations are involved.”
Morton is a volunteer in this effort. She added, “There are not a lot, if any, funds available to do this work so I search for qualifying grants to help.” That was the case with the William G, Pomeroy Foundation. Included in a letter from the Pomeroy Foundation written by Executive Director Bill Brower was the following, “Congratulations on this exciting milestone as you dedicate your new Hometown Heritage marker commemorating historic Clement Cemetery and the legacies of those interned there. By recognizing Clement Cemetery with this marker you bring greater attention to the legacies of the early residents and prominent figures who are interned there.”
Morton is all in on historical cemeteries. She belongs to associations, attends gatherings, and visits other historic sites when time allows. She’s encouraged by a renewed interest in cemetery tours but also concerned that the new interest has been behind a number of thefts of markers in West Michigan recently. Morton said, “Some of the stolen articles are showing up for sale online as interest in the oddity market also grows.”
The Pomeroy Foundation makes grants for historic markers to non-profit organizations, academic institutions and local, state and federal agencies.
