Signage, not monuments, gives the location of the Sunset Monument Co. at 217 W. Poinsett Street. The business is across the street from Wood Mortuary.
Melanie Connolly stands in the granite room. Customers can peruse a variety of grave markers and plaques in individualized rooms.
The bronze room provides customers a variety of markers available to memorialize their loved ones.
The grave marker company, at 217 W. Poinsett Street, is the only one of its kind in Greer. A company sign marks the front of the business instead of monuments. “We’re not limited to grave markers,” Connolly said. “We do benches and business signs, too.”
The former residential property has granite, marble and bronze display rooms. “We were looking around and this place gives us an opportunity to do something different,” Connolly said. “It’s comfortable, cozy and professional and gives families an opportunity to make a difficult decision. People don’t have to walk around in the hot sun to view the markers. Our location is also convenient being across the street from Wood Mortuary.
Connolly worked as a family service counselor at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens for the past 25 years and her family has a cemetery in Brevard, N.C. “I enjoyed memorial design and we will be doing that here,” she said.
Designs have become more favorable on grave markers, Connolly said. “Technology makes it possible to do etchings. I’ve noticed that there are more pictures requested on monuments and more scenes like hunting and fishing.”
Connolly said she has learned from the families she has served for the past generation. “I got to know the families and custom designed their monuments. If at all possible the family wants to memorialize the grave permanently.”
Connolly suggests families decide on grave markers before the decision becomes critical. “There is a pre-need component. A husband and wife, for example, can get together and make these decisions. It makes it so much easier on spouses and their children. And it takes the financial burden away from them.”
Working with veterans and their families has made Connolly realize there is also a need to communicate what the government provides. “Some veterans may not know that the government pays for their plaques,” she said.
The company’s grand opening was last Saturday. Connolly said it gave her the opportunity to share with families the individual rooms, grave markers, plaques and other ways to remember loved ones. “It’s a lasting tribute to their family,” Connolly said.
Call 877-8989 for more information.