Greenleaf Cemetery received a check this week for $2,458 from Brownwood’s Welcome W. Chandler Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas during the chapter’s medallion ceremony for a Brown County pioneer.

The Daughters shared with the cemetery proceeds from the 2024 Wreaths Across America campaign celebrated annually at Greenleaf.

“We are so happy to be able to make this donation to historic Greenleaf Cemetery,” said Mary Lee Bailey Shelton,  Wreaths Across America liaison for the local DRT. “Thousands of our ancestors, veterans, founders and loved ones are buried in Greenleaf. Greenleaf Cemetery is a historic treasure and we are proud to support its preservation.”

Greenleaf board member Caiden Tyler accepted the check from DRT on behalf of the cemetery.

“Without organizations like this and amazing people, Greenleaf Cemetery would not be where it is today,” said Tyler. “Thank you DRT!”

Prior to the check presentation, descendants of local pioneer Vess Ivy Middleton Bailey and chapter members gathered at her grave to celebrate her Texas legacy. Mrs. Bailey, 1884-1957, was a life-long Brown County resident, the daughter and granddaughter of Republic of Texas citizens, and granddaughter of an original Austinite. Born and raised in Indian Creek, she also lived in Brookesmith and Brownwood.

Welcome W. Chandler Chapter DRT welcomes new members. Women who descend from an ancestor who lived in the Republic of Texas 1836-1846 are eligible for membership. Contact chapter president Julie Welker,  jwelker@hputx.edu, to join.