In Honor of Geneva Bell
California Native, Clarksville Neighbor & Civic Leader
Having earned a GED shortly before her 60th birthday, Geneva enrolled in classes at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.
A history class lead her to find the largely-ignored, seven-acre Mt. Olive Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 1,300 African-Americans. Among the interred are 27 US Veterans. 25 of these veterans are United States Colored Troops, Union soldiers of the American Civil War.
Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society
In 2004, with 7 other incorporates, Geneva founded the Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society which is entrusted with maintaining and preserving the Cemetery as well as educating & engaging the public on the history and contributions of African-Americans in Clarksville.
Geneva's vision and the mission of the Society will continue under the new Board of Directors & Volunteers from around Clarksville.
Geneva's determination and perseverance lives in the hearts of the Society's members today. We remain committed & honored to carry forward her work.
We will not forget all that she has given our community, our city and our nation. We have all been made better by her leadership, commitment, compassion and her love.
- God Bless you, Geneva Bell -
The Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society is a 501(c)3 Public Benefit Non-Profit Organization.
Mrs Genevia Ann Bell Memorial Ceremony (May 27, 2019)
Black History Month Celebration (February 27, 2018)
February 2018 - Ft Defiance, Clarksville Tennessee
The Society hosted a Black History Month Celebration and Reflection Event at Ft Defiance.
Geneva Bell, Mayor McMillan, Veteran organizations, historians and community members participated in a
wreath-laying ceremony, honoring of those interred at Mt Olive Cemetery.