Macon family threatens legal action following burial plot dispute

Leroy Thomas Jr. was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial park in Macon in 2017. His family received a call on Tuesday, saying that Thomas Jr.'s burial plot belonged to a family who’s loved one recently died, and would be buried in that spot.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Leroy Thomas Jr. was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial park in Macon in 2017. On Thursday, his sisters were at his grave, but this wasn’t a typical visit.

“They had the audacity to place him in someone else’s grave,” said Angela Coleman, Thomas Jr.’s sister. “And now you want to dig him up and want us to pay.” 

Coleman says her family received a call on Tuesday, saying that her brother’s burial plot belonged to a family who’s loved one recently died, and would be buried in that spot. Coleman and her sisters say a woman by the name of Shay, claiming to be the cemetery manager, told them they needed to pay $1,500 to have their brother’s casket slid back, or else it would be exhumed.

“Then she said if we don’t agree to pay some money, they’ll pull him up and leave him in the air,” said Louvonia Davis, Thomas Jr.’s sister. 

The family had been recording the work being done to the grave when the woman first asked them to stop and eventually asked them to leave the cemetery.

“That’s not our fault, you know,” Davis said.  “My brother has been buried for 8 years. So, if he’s buried in somebody else’s plot that’s on y’all.” 

The family says the woman had informed them earlier that she had a gun. After law enforcement arrived, they were allowed back on the property and resumed recording. Macon-Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones arrived, explaining that it was unlawful to ask for payment from the family, and that Thomas Jr.’s casket must stay under ground throughout the process.

“Why would you throw that on us?” Davis said. “We’ve got feelings too. Don’t try to exhume my brother’s body like we’re nobody.” 

While relieved that they weren’t forced to pay, the family says they’re dissatisfied with the final decision. Coleman says she reached out to her lawyer with plans to pursue legal action.