Alabama family demands investigation after grandmother’s grave goes missing

A Birmingham family is demanding urgent legislative reform and a full-scale investigation after a harrowing experience at Zion Memorial Gardens. The family reports that they are currently unable to locate the burial site of their grandmother, Carrie Griffin, following her interment at the private cemetery.

A search for answers

Carrie Griffin was laid to rest at Zion Memorial Gardens in November 2023. However, when her family returned to visit the gravesite, they discovered a site devoid of a headstone or any marker, leaving them with no indication of where their loved one was buried. Attempts to resolve the issue with cemetery management resulted in inconsistent information and missing records.

The situation became dire enough that the family was forced to exhume and relocate another relative due to deep uncertainty regarding burial locations. Despite their persistent search, the location of Carrie Griffin’s remains continues to be a mystery.

Concerns at the property

During their search of the grounds, the family documented alarming conditions, including overgrown land, disturbed areas near a retaining wall, and mounds of dirt and straw. In the brush at the back of the property, they even reported finding torn pieces of clothing.

"We trusted that our loved one would be treated with dignity. Instead, we are left searching for her," the family stated in a news release. They noted that these findings raise significant questions regarding the management of the facility and the consistency of its burial practices.

Legal and legislative action

The cemetery is owned by Beverly Cole McMillian Luchansky, who was named in a civil lawsuit filed by the family in October 2025. The complaint alleges fraud, negligence, and a failure to maintain proper records.

Legal complaints against Zion Memorial Gardens date back to the mid-1980s, and there are currently at least six active cases involving the business and McMillian. Every complaint alleges that the cemetery mishandled the burial of family members.

The Griffin family has requested interventions from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Furthermore, they are championing the proposed Alabama Cemetery Oversight and Accountability Act, arguing that current gaps in state law leave families dangerously unprotected.

A history of instability

Earlier this month, the cemetery shut down without warning, posting a sign that claimed the facility was closed for business. After a wave of public outcry and questioning from concerned families on social media, the business issued an updated message announcing it had decided to reopen. Despite the announcement, efforts by 205focus.com and others to reach Zion Memorial Gardens for comment have remained unsuccessful.