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About
Herman W. Ousley
Designed & built the Church
His Wife
Nellie Zackery Ousley
Our Origins
Welcome to our nonprofit organization, established in 2023. We are dedicated to advocating for, restoring, and educating the public about the rich history of this 2.0-acre burial ground, which served our community from the 1840s the 1980s. Join us in preserving this vital piece of history and ensuring that its stories continue to be told. Together, we can honor the past and educate future generations.
Our Mission
“We help ancestors connect with their descendants by preserving Macedonia Cemetery through restoration, genealogy, storytelling, and education.”
Our work bridges the past and present—giving voice to the voiceless and identity to the forgotten. Join us in restoring dignity, unity, and historical truth—one name at a time.
History & Impact
Dedicated to preserving the legacy of our ancestors, Descendants of Macedonia Church and Cemetery of Johns Creek, Georgia, Inc is committed to advocating for historical sites and educating the public. Since 2023, we have been at the forefront of restoration efforts for a significant 2.0-acre burial ground that holds stories from the 1840s to the 1980s. Join us in our mission to honor and protect our heritage.
Our Restoration Project
The Macedonia Cemetery Restoration Project is a community-led initiative dedicated to preserving one of Johns Creek’s most sacred African American historical sites. With origins dating back to the 1840s, the cemetery holds the untold stories of formerly enslaved individuals, veterans, and local families whose legacies shaped the region.
This project aims to restore dignity and visibility to over 60 burial sites, many of which have been long neglected, unmarked, or in disrepair. Our work includes:
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Repairing and resetting historic gravestones that have been broken or displaced
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Installing educational signage and interpretive displays
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Reverse Geneology
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Creating a digital archive of genealogical records and historical documents
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Engaging descendants and volunteers in site cleanups, documentation, and advocacy
Each restoration effort is supported by historians, descendants, students, and local organizations who share our belief that every life deserves to be remembered with honor and care.
This is more than a preservation project — it is a movement to reclaim forgotten history and restore reverence to a place that continues to speak through its silence.
Join us in this vital work. Together, we’re preserving legacy and honoring truth.