Honoring Black Cincinnatians at Spring Grove Cemetery 

Explore the Achievements of Black Cincinnatians Buried at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Spring Grove Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable Black Cincinnatians whose legacies shaped the city’s history. Among them are activists, entrepreneurs, educators, and pioneers who left a lasting impact. 

Chartered in 1845, Spring Grove has served the Cincinnati area for over 175 years as one of the largest nonprofit cemeteries in the United States. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the 700-acre property offers funeral, cemetery, and cremation services tailored to various budgets. Recognized by thousands of annual visitors for exceptional beauty, Spring Grove continues to provide end-of-life care while offering a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance.

Black Cincinnatians Buried at Spring Grove Cemetery  

Ephraim Loller  

Ephraim Loller served in the 11th U.S. Colored Infantry, Company E, during the Civil War. Loller’s name is honored on the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C. 
Date of Death: 8/1/1865 
Section/Lot: 21 / C323 

Henry Boyd  

Born enslaved in Kentucky, Henry Boyd purchased freedom and moved to Cincinnati in 1826. Boyd also established a successful furniture business and invented the “Boyd Bedstead,” a durable, easy-to-assemble bed frame. The furniture factory became one of the most successful in the 19th century. 
Date of Death: 3/1/1886  
Section/Lot: 52 / 77 

Col. Michael W. Smith  

Col. Michael W. Smith led the 66th U.S. Colored Troops, serving with distinction during the Civil War. Smith was born in Canada in 1836 and later settled in Bond Hill, leaving a legacy. 
Date of Death: 5/26/1889 
Section/Lot: 104 / 301 

Charles Grant Jr.  

Charles Grant Jr., born August 31, 1874, in Cincinnati, Ohio, emerged as a prominent second baseman in Negro league baseball. Grant played for two decades for esteemed teams.
Date of Death: 7/9/1932 
Section/Lot: 68 / 417 

St. Julian and Inez Renfro  

The husband-and-wife funeral directors and embalmers founded Renfro Funeral Home in 1921. As funeral directors and embalmers, the Renfros provided essential services to Cincinnati’s Black community. 
Dates of Death: St. Julian 3/25/1965, Inez 5/4/1965 
Section/Lot: 60 / 25 

Penn Watson Zeigler  

Penn Zeigler, born in Virginia around 1897 to Peter Burgess Zeigler and America Spencer Zeigler, relocated to Cincinnati at age five. Major Lee Zeigler, a Cincinnati businessman and uncle, influenced the family’s move. 
Date of Death: 1/8/1982 
Section/Lot: Sec B / L 55 

Herman Griffin  

Herman Griffin, also known as Herman Lewis, was a musician and R&B performer. Recorded “I Need You” in 1958, the first song published under Berry Gordy’s Jobete Publishing company. 
Date of Death: 11/17/1989 
Section/Lot: 131 / C / 83 

Willard R. Stargell, Jr.  

Willard R. Stargell Jr., an educator and one of the first Black athletes at the University of Cincinnati, paved the way for future students. Taft High School’s Willard Stargell Stadium honors contributions to education and athletics. 
Date of Death: 1/20/1990 
Section/Lot: 132 / 1077 

Dr. Lucy Oxley  

Dr. Lucy Oxley became the first African American woman to earn a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Oxley’s career advanced healthcare access and representation in the medical field. 
Date of Death: 6/10/1991 
Section/Lot: MM W115 / D1 

James Truitte  

James Truitte performed with the First Negro Classic Ballet Company before joining Alvin Ailey’s dance company in 1960. Truitte’s contributions helped shape modern dance and preserve Ailey’s choreography. 
Date of Death: 8/26/1995 
Section/Lot: GM M103 / C6 

William Bowen

William Bowen was the first African American person to serve in the Ohio Senate. Bowen championed civil rights, fair housing, and affirmative action. The former senator was the driving force behind the legislation establishing state set-asides, awarding state contracts to minority contractors.
Date of Death: 4/22/1999
Section/Lot: LN, Section 137D, Lot 109, Space 1

Theodore Moody Berry  

Theodore Moody Berry was a pioneering civil rights leader and politician in Cincinnati. Berry became Cincinnati’s first African American mayor from 1972 to 1975. Berry played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement and held leadership positions in organizations such as the NAACP and the Urban League. 
Date of Death: 10/15/2000 
Section/Lot: MM E5 / A3 

Frederick T. Suggs, Jr.  

Frederick T. Suggs Jr. published Tri-State Talk and NIP Magazine, amplifying Black voices in media. Suggs founded the YMCA Black Achievers Program to support youth development and leadership. 
Date of Death: 5/6/2002 
Section/Lot: 141E / 252 / 12 

Virginia Keys Jones Coffey  

Virginia Keys Jones Coffey fought for racial equality in Cincinnati through leadership in the NAACP and the Urban League. Coffey’s work focused on fair housing, employment, and education, helping to advance civil rights. 
Date of Death: 8/26/2003 
Section/Lot: GM C104 / A4 

Related Article: The History of African Americans in Cincinnati

Harold McClure  

As the first African American supervisor at the United States Postal Service, Harold McClure, a World War II veteran and classically trained pianist, broke racial barriers. Additionally, McClure was a dedicated philanthropist, contributing significantly to various community initiatives. 
Date of Death: 3/27/2004 
Section/Lot: MM E111 / F5 

G. Robert Smith  

G. Robert Smith, a Montford Point Marine, served with distinction as one of the first Black U.S. Marines. Smith received the Congressional Gold Medal for contributions to the military and civil rights. 
Date of Death: 9/16/2004 
Section/Lot: LC C / 359 

Artie Crum, Sr.  

Artie Crum Sr. helped establish the Sentinels, a Black fraternal police organization advocating for equality in law enforcement. Crum’s efforts strengthened opportunities for Black officers and improved community relations. 
Date of Death: 5/13/2005 
Section/Lot: 136 / 731 

William J. Harris  

William J. Harris became the first African American detective in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. As a founding member of the Sentinel Police Association, Harris worked to support Black officers in law enforcement. 
Date of Death: 12/7/2005 
Section/Lot: 141D / 232 / 7 

Arthur W. Harmon, Sr.  

Arthur W. Harmon Sr. served the Cincinnati Police Division for 42 years, retiring as a Captain. Harmon Dr. was the first president of the Sentinel Police Association and the second Black captain in Cincinnati Police Department history. 
Date of Death: 12/16/2005 
Section/Lot: LM 50 / 107B 

Wilbur David Jones  

Wilbur David Jones, born in Cincinnati in 1918, served as a leader in the Democratic Party and a civil rights activist. One of the first men to join the League of Women Voters, Jones appeared at nearly every civil rights event in Cincinnati for over 50 years. 
Date of Death: 7/28/2006 
Section/Lot: LC A 255 / 1 

Mazell Bell Robertson  

Mazell Bell Robertson raised and supported Oscar Robertson, a basketball legend. Robertson’s guidance and dedication played a key role in shaping Oscar’s success on and off the court. 
Date of Death: 10/16/2007 
Section/Lot: LM M41 / 120A) 

Dr. Caesar Stephens Bassette  

Dr. Caesar Stevens Bassette, Jr. was Cincinnati’s pioneering obstetrician and gynecologist. The physician was the first Black doctor to gain admitting and staffing privileges in obstetrics and gynecology at major hospitals in the city. The doctor also Served as a Tuskegee Airmen Ground School Instructor during World War II. 
Date of Death: 12/10/2009 
Section/Lot: LC C / 127 

Bobbie S. Corbean  

Bobbie B. Yates Corbean built a career as an entrepreneur, fashion consultant, model, and owner of MODE magazine. Corbean gained recognition as a successful businessperson and world traveler who made lasting contributions to the fashion industry.  
Date of Death: 10/23/2009 
Section/Lot: MM 107MN / 4A 

Linda Bates Parker  

Linda Bates Parker, the first Black woman hired in market research at Procter and Gamble, later led student career development at the University of Cincinnati. Parker also established a scholarship for African American students and founded Black Career Women to support workplace advancement. 
Date of Death: 12/10/2009 
Section/Lot: LC C 127 

Luther Ross Love  

Luther Ross Love Jr., a business leader and philanthropist, founded Blue Chip Broadcasting. Love also co-chaired Cincinnati Community Action Now (CAN) and supported minority-owned businesses through the GrowthBridge Fund.
Date of Death: 8/20/2010 
Section/Lot: MM 119 ON / 20C 

Dana Jean Blackwell  

Dana Jean Blackwell was the mother of John Kenneth Blackwell, a politician, author, and Ohio’s first Black major party gubernatorial candidate. Blackwell’s influence helped shape a legacy of leadership and public service. 
Date of Death: 2/12/2011 
Section/Lot: 138 / 137C 

Grady W. Baldwin  

During World War II, Grady W. Baldwin served as a Tuskegee Airman, breaking barriers in military aviation and contributing to the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces. 
Date of Death: 1/27/2012 
Section/Lot: LC D / N33 

Henry Coleman Henderson  

Henry Coleman Henderson, a U.S. Navy veteran, survived the attack on Pearl Harbor while aboard the USS Curtiss. After military service, Henderson became a skilled tailor and worked in various industries before retiring in 1985. 
Date of Death: 6/7/2013 
Section/Lot: LC B / 229 

Eva Tucker, Jr.  

Eva Tucker Jr., a school board member, created the “C Rule,” ensuring students maintained a C average to compete in sports. Tucker’s policy emphasized the importance of academics in athletics. 
Date of Death: 4/30/2020 
Section/Lot: 143D / 212 

Maj. Earl Edward Price, Jr.  

Maj. Earl Edward Price Jr., a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office leader, developed an ethics-based training program. Price’s efforts improved law enforcement standards and accountability. 
Date of Death: 2/20/2021 
Section/Lot: 132 / 914 / 2 

Lynwood Battle  

Lynwood Battle, a community leader and board member, played a key role in JC Battle and Sons Funeral Home. Battle’s work supported families and strengthened community connections. 
Date of Death: 8/29/2021 
Section/Lot: 131 / D / 511 

Maj. Gen. Leonard M. Randolph, Jr.  

Maj. Gen. Leonard M. Randolph Jr. was a U.S. Air Force officer and oversaw healthcare operations as Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Defense TRICARE management. Leadership helped shape military healthcare policies and services. 
Date of Death: 11/20/2024 
Section/Lot: 144A / 49 / 6 

Nikki Giovanni  

Nikki Giovanni, a celebrated poet and activist, uses writing to explore race, social justice, and identity. Giovanni’s work has inspired generations. Giovanni is recognized as one of the most influential African American poets. 
Date of Death: 12/9/2024 
Section/Lot: 137 / 251 

Related Article: Cincinnati Black History Timeline

The Spring Grove Funeral Home

Spring Grove Funeral Homes opened in October 1999 adjacent to the historic Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum to provide comprehensive end-of-life services in one location. Originally named Jon Dietloff Funeral Centre and later Gwen Mooney Funeral Home, the facility adopted the official name Spring Grove Funeral Homes in December 2016.

In 2019, a 20,000-square-foot expansion added new arrangement rooms, a state-of-the-art preparation facility, and a modern reception center. Spring Grove Funeral Homes manages multiple Cincinnati locations, including the Spring Grove Cremation Society and Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home.

In addition to the cemetery’s historical significance, Spring Grove Funeral Home – Main offers comprehensive end-of-life services with compassion and professionalism. Located on the same grounds as the cemetery, the funeral home provides personalized funeral and memorial services, on-site cremation, and grief support.

The serene setting and dedicated staff ensure that each service honors the deceased’s life and legacy. Families can choose from traditional services, contemporary celebrations of life, or private gatherings in a space designed for comfort and reflection.

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.

Images provided by the Spring Grove Cemetery website.

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