Weeds are the Vandals

Photos reveal the dismaying state of Shelley Watkins' grave plot

Hi there, sorry to interrupt your Sunday. We’re disappointed to learn that Shelley Watkins’ grave plot has become extremely neglected at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana. Below, you can see photos sent to us by two different listeners who recently visited the site.

Does anyone know why Shelley’s grave plot has become so overgrown?

From Carol:

For many years, the artificial flower displays have been changed four times a year on Shelley Watkins's solo grave plot in historic Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana. They've included a wreath or spray of seasonal blooms, mounted on a wire tripod and placed before the stone that states only the name Watkins, matched with two bunches in the vases embellished with a monogram W on either side of the large stone. The green grass on the plot has always looked smooth and manicured, carefully tended. The grave has made a public statement of care and regard. Until now...

According to clientele, Oakwood Cemetery, owned and maintained by the City of Corsicana, provides grave-tending services on either a one-time payment Perpetual Care plan or a contractual service, all through private vendors. It is unknown to us which of these service plans was selected by Jerry Mack and/or Kay Watkins for Shelley's grave maintenance. Over the past two weeks, two different cemetery visitors have brought the current state of Shelley's grave to our attention. Judging from the photographs, it presents an anomaly in an otherwise mostly immaculate vista.

Here are photos that people have sent to us:

Please let us know if you have any idea why her plot has gotten so overgrown.

Our next episode, Linking the Chains, came out Monday for paid subscribers and will be publicly released tomorrow morning for everyone else. It’s an important episode. Thank you for listening. — Wes Ferguson