Jeanne Steadman, at left, and Cindi Sanderson with Madison Municipal Cemeteries Committee placed evergreen swags for Christmas at Madison’s three cemeteries. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – To honor the lives and memories of former residents, Madison Municipal Cemeteries Committee has brightened the city’s three cemeteries with Christmas greenery.

“As president of the cemeteries committee, I am proud to do what I can to support the three city cemeteries,” Jeanne Steadman said. “I personally wanted to beautify the cemeteries for Christmas, even if in a small way, to remember the ones who rest there.”

All three cemetery properties are situated along major streets — Hughes and Mill roads. “I hope folks who travel by these will notice and appreciate and remember the souls who came before us,” Steadman said.

Steadman and fellow committee member Cindi Sanderson designed 12 evergreen swags, four arrangements for each cemetery. For each swag, Steadman arranged magnolia leaves and Boston ivy, while Sanderson made four red Christmas bows.

“The decorations add charm,” Sanderson said. “I think it is a nice addition to what the Madison Arts Council is doing with displays for Christmas Card Lane in the downtown area.”

“I was especially excited about doing this decorating since my grandparents and many other relatives and ancestors are buried on both the north and south side of Mill Road,” Sanderson said. “Being actively involved with this committee is very rewarding especially, when we do projects like this.”

In addition, Steadman wanted “to thank Madison Public Works Department for all they do to beautify these cemeteries all year round. They do a great job mowing and maintaining these cemeteries.”

In recent months, the cemetery committee worked to have the Alabama Historical Commission to grant historic status to Old Madison Cemetery on Mill Road’s south side.