ABOUT HIGHLAND CEMETERY

HIGHLAND CEMETERY is located on South Highland Drive in the city of Sparta, White County, Tennessee (coordinates: 35°55'08.7"N, 85°27'35.7"W). It is bounded by Cooper and Kent Streets along the north and Windsor Drive on the south with a primary entrance located beneath an arched gateway just south of the intersection of South Highland Drive and Cooper Street.

Established circa 1908 on private land already in use as a burial place at the time, the cemetery has grown to encompass more than 16 acres—the largest in White County.

Highland Cemetery is recognized as an historic Tennessee cemetery located on the ancestral lands of the Cherokee and other indigenous peoples, and remains a sacred space to honor and reflect upon the history we share and make together.

A NONPROFIT
COMMUNITY CEMETERY

Highland Cemetery is a not-for-profit community cemetery established under Tennessee and United States law as a 501(c)(13) organization called the “Highland Cemetery Trust Corporation.”

As a nonprofit organization, Highland Cemetery operates solely to serve the community. It receives no city, state, or federal funds; has no investors or private owners; and is entirely dependent on donors for operation and maintenance.

Donations to Highland Cemetery are tax deductible.

FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Highland Cemetery Trust Corporation files annual reports with the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Under the 2023 Cemetery Modernization Project, Highland Cemetery began issuing regular financial reports to donors through its newsletter. Copies of the latest report can be obtained by signing up for the Highland Cemetery Newsletter or by contacting the Treasurer at info@highlandsparta.com.

IN MEMORY OF…

Tax-deductible donations honoring a loved one or in memory of a friend can be made online using our simple, fully-secure system.

LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The nonprofit Highland Cemetery Trust Corporation is governed and operated by a local board of directors appointed according to its charter and bylaws. Directors serve on a voluntary basis. They are not paid for their work and do not receive any form of compensation for this volunteer service to the community.

  • William D. Mitchell, President

  • Lynn Mitchell, Vice President

  • Sherry (Gigi) Mitchell, Secretary

  • Marty Carmichael, Treasurer

  • Sue Carmichael, Assistant Treasurer

  • Tony Parker, Superintendent

  • Mike Harris, Assistant Superintendent

  • John Knowles

  • Pam Pullum

  • Daniel Johnson

  • Janet Taylor