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Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

Sunset Memorial Gardens mausoleum conditions disputed

Three crosses overlook Sunset Memorial Gardens, located on a ridge on North Lee Highway in Cleveland, Tenn.
Three crosses overlook Sunset Memorial Gardens, located on a ridge on North Lee Highway in Cleveland, Tenn.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — A Sept. 4 inspection by an out-of-state mausoleum construction expert disputes some allegations about the conditions of mausoleums belonging to Sunset Memorial Gardens. The Bradley County facility is on North Lee Highway and owned by Cecil Lawrence Inc. of Dallas, Ga.

The cemetery faces possible summary suspension of its license after state inspections between July 31 and Aug. 7 concluded decomposing human remains were the source of “noxious odors” emanating from its New Chapel mausoleum.

The consultant report, which is dated Sept. 18 and filed by McCleskey Mausoleums of Buford, Ga., “found no evidence of odors,” said attorney William Colvin of Cavett & Abbott PLLC, who represents the cemetery owner.