**From Nurturer to Historian: The Inspiring Journey of Allyson Stephenson**
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Allyson Stephenson, a former nurse turned cemetery preservationist, has gained considerable attention online, where she goes by the moniker “Crazy Cemetery Lady.” This unique title was affectionately bestowed upon her by her daughter during a poignant moment in a cemetery. It is a fitting name for a woman whose passion for uncovering and preserving the stories of the deceased has transformed into an inspiring second career.
For nearly 20 years, the 45-year-old served as a nurse, primarily on an Army base, where she dedicated 16 years to caring for service members and their families. Her journey took an unexpected twist when the COVID-19 pandemic led her to an administrative role due to her existing autoimmune condition. Ultimately, several health complications forced her into medical retirement, leaving behind a profession she was deeply passionate about.
Despite stepping away from nursing, Stephenson was determined to continue making a difference in people’s lives. “I have been interested in genealogy since I was about nine years old,” she explained. “The beauty and art of cemeteries have always drawn me to them. Every headstone represents a person with an untold story, and I wanted to ensure those stories weren’t forgotten.”
Turning her long-held fascination into a career, she became the co-founder and director of GraveGeeks Volunteers Inc., a nonprofit that focuses on cemetery preservation and genealogy in Jefferson County, New York, and beyond. As a passionate advocate for her cause, she has amassed a significant following on social media, where her knowledge and dedication have turned her into an influencer in the cemetery preservation community.
Stephenson provides her services in over 45 cemeteries primarily located in Jefferson and Oswego counties, where she takes meticulous care of headstones. Over the past six years, she has cleaned and preserved more than 3,000 stones. These efforts are entirely voluntary, demonstrating her commitment and gratitude for the stories she helps to resurrect.
Equipped with gentle approaches and the right tools, she inspects each headstone carefully before embarking on the task of cleaning. The process involves using specific solutions and soft-bristle brushes, ensuring that each restoration respects the integrity of the stone. If a headstone is too delicate, she employs a gentler approach, applying a “spray-and-walk-away” treatment.
The changing seasons in Northern New York offer both obstacles and opportunities for Stephenson’s projects. While winter confines her to indoor research, she uses this time to delve deeply into the histories linked to the headstones she has restored. The findings are then meticulously compiled and shared with local historical societies or libraries, further enriching the community’s understanding of its heritage.
One poignant story that exemplifies Stephenson’s work is that of Eliza Howk. Buried underground for years, Howk’s headstone was discovered and cleaned, revealing her tragic tale of having drowned during a steamboat disaster on Lake Erie in 1847. Through research, Stephenson uncovered the details of Howk’s life, and by restoring her headstone, she was able to share not just a name, but the essence of who Eliza was and the impact of her story on those who come across it.
Stephenson’s commitment has led her to connect with numerous individuals throughout the years. The oldest headstone she has personally cleaned dates back to 1795 and serves not just as a marker of death but as a connection to the lives of those who have come before us. “What I love most is reaching people and seeing them connect with the stories of local history,” she commented, noting that descendants often express their gratitude when discovering the lineage of their family members through her efforts.
Her passion has led to the establishment of a community of volunteers dedicated to preserving gravesites and their histories. GraveGeeks now boasts over 100 volunteers across multiple countries, contributing to cemetery preservation that extends well beyond Northern New York. This collective effort represents not just numbers, but real legacies, ensuring the memories of individuals remain vibrant.
In addition to cleaning and preserving gravestones, Stephenson also conducts workshops designed to educate the public on proper cemetery care. She has particularly enjoyed working with young people, hoping to instill a sense of responsibility and appreciation for history in the next generation. Through her outreach efforts, she aims to help individuals view cemeteries as valuable community assets rather than mere resting places.
“My posts prioritise the people behind the headstones,” says Stephenson. “If one of my videos helps someone remember a name they’d never heard before, then they are no longer lost to history. That is my ultimate goal.”
Through her unwavering dedication, Allyson Stephenson embodies the spirit of community engagement and the profound connection between history and remembrance, showcasing the invaluable stories that cemeteries hold.