In the picturesque town of Hendersonville, North Carolina, the historic Oakdale Cemetery holds a tomb unlike any other. And while from a distance this cemetery looks like your typical small town cemetery, it holds a tomb unlike any other. Its unique design, with a glass top intended to let sunlight shine through, has captivated visitors for well over a century. This is the story of Lelia Maude Davidson Hansell, the woman affectionately known as the “Sunshine Lady” or “Sunshine Woman”. Her life and burial left a lasting legacy of warmth, mystery, and intrigue.
Lelia Maude Davidson Hansell was born on June 25, 1861, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The daughter of Dr. Joseph M. Davidson and Mary Caldwell, she grew up in a large family with eight siblings. Even in her early years, Lelia stood out for her cheerful disposition and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her sunny nature became her defining characteristic. It earned her a reputation as someone who could brighten any room she entered—a true Sunshine Lady in many ways.
In 1889, Lelia began her career as an educator in Blacksburg, South Carolina. Later, in 1905, she moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina, to teach at Judson College. During her time there, she boarded with a local woman named Leila McLean. Her friendliness and kindness quickly endeared her to the community. The community affectionately dubbed her the ‘Sunshine Lady’ in no time. Lelia’s life took a romantic turn in 1910 when she met Judge Charles P. Hansell, who was vacationing in Hendersonville. They married the same year. Though they had no children, their partnership was a happy one.
Lelia’s life was not without challenges. In 1915, she fell ill with pulmonary tuberculosis and passed away on December 2, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity. Everyone who knew her mourned her deeply, but her final resting place, the Sunshine Lady’s tomb, ultimately cemented her as a local legend.
A Tomb That Sparked Local Legends
Lelia’s husband designed the tomb according to Lelia’s wishes, creating something unlike anything the people of Hendersonville had ever seen. Constructed of brick, it featured a unique glass top designed to allow sunlight to shine directly onto her face. Lelia had expressed a strong aversion to traditional burial practices. She refused embalming, underground burial, and transportation by train. Instead, she wanted to remain above ground, where the sun could always shine on her face. This would ensure the legacy of the Sunshine Lady would live on.
Local undertaker J.M. Stepp crafted the tomb constructing a brick vault measuring 10 feet long, 3 feet high, and 4 feet wide. He lined it with cement, leaving only the glass top exposed. The glass itself was a marvel of design, consisting of seven rows of prism glass with a total of 147 individual squares. This intricate arrangement ensured that sunlight would filter into the tomb. It cast a warm glow that seemed to honor Lelia’s sunny spirit. The casket, left lidless at her request, contained her shrouded remains. It seems, however, that the shroud did not cover her face or head.
From Tourist Attraction to Sealed Mystery
Intended solely to honor Lelia’s wishes, the tomb unexpectedly became a source of local curiosity and intrigue. Over the years, countless visitors reported seeing various things through the glass. According to legend, visitors to Lelia’s tomb reported seeing different visions; some claimed to glimpse her skeleton, while others described her body clad in a gray gown with lace trimmed wrists. There were even tales claiming the tomb was filled with flowers. These accounts were inconsistent, with no two stories quite the same. Adding to the mystery were reports that visibility depended on the time of day. People who claimed to have seen the skeleton inside the tomb said sunlight at 2 p.m. provided the clearest view.
Reporter Lecta Dunham exploring the legend – The Charlotte Observer November 28, 1926
The legends surrounding the tomb didn’t stop there. Some believed that pouring water on the glass enhanced visibility, turning a simple visit into a ritual of sorts. The tomb’s notoriety grew, attracting tourists and curiosity seekers. Local guide Carl Summey saw an opportunity and leaned into the legend, offering tours and even selling water to visitors, claiming it helped enhance the view. (Can we all give Carl a posthumous shout out for his hustle?!) Soon, this public attention eventually became a nuisance. In 1934, the city covered the glass with a layer of tar to obscure visibility, leaving some sections clear. By 1939, after obtaining permission from Hansell’s relatives, the city sealed the tomb with concrete, claiming sanitary concerns as the reason. Many suspected the real reason was to put an end to the spectacle of the Sunshine Lady.
Nevertheless, despite these alterations, the Sunshine Lady’s tomb remains a point of fascination. Its unique design and the stories it inspired continue to capture the imagination of those who hear about it. Lelia’s final resting place is more than a burial site; it’s a testament to her individuality and the impact she had on her community. Her wish to always feel the sun’s warmth is a poignant reminder of the light she brought into the lives of others.
A Miniature Tribute to the Sunshine Lady
To bring the Sunshine Lady’s tomb to life, I created this miniature recreation, paying homage to its unique design. The real tomb may be covered now, but its story continues to shine.
The story of Lelia Maude Davidson Hansell, the Sunshine Lady, is one of love, legacy, and light. Her tomb, with its remarkable design and enduring mysteries, stands as a symbol of her vibrant spirit. It invites us to reflect not only on her life, but also on the ways we choose to honor and remember those who leave a mark on our world. For those who visit Oakdale Cemetery, the Sunshine Lady’s story offers a glimpse into a past filled with warmth, beauty, and a touch of the extraordinary.
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
The Sunshine Lady’s story asks us a question: how do we want to be remembered? Ultimately, Lelia’s tomb is more than just a quirky final resting place; it’s a reflection of who she was, what she valued, and how she wanted the world to see her, even after she was gone.
We all leave behind something, whether it’s a legacy of warmth, mystery, or something else entirely. Lelia ensured she would never be forgotten. What about you? What kind of story would your grave tell? Maybe you’d want a legacy that’s bold and impossible to ignore, or maybe it’s in the little ways you’ve left your mark in life. Ever stumbled across a grave that made you stop in your tracks, wondering about the person buried there, their life, their story, and what they left behind? The Sunshine Lady’s tomb does just that.
Drop your thoughts or share your favorite stories of unique gravesites. Let’s talk about the legacies that stick with us and the marks we leave behind.
