Brown Cemetery
Manchaca, Texas
We are proud to be working with Floris "Ms. Flo" Sorrells to support the preservation of Brown Cemetery, a historic Black cemetery in Manchaca, Texas. Ms. Flo went viral after sharing the story of her family's legacy—her great-grandfather purchased the land in 1900, and she has continued the tradition of caretaking ever since. Today, Ms. Flo is managing the cemetery on her own and needs support. We’re helping with landscaping, repairing damaged headstones, and working toward securing a historic landmark designation. We also assisted in purchasing a new sign for the cemetery.
Ms. Flo at the Haskell House in Clarksville, sharing memories of the foodways from her childhood
Fundraiser
Honoring Brown Cemetery
Celebrate Brown Cemetery’s history with Ms. Flo. Join our fundraiser to support upkeep of this family-managed cemetery!
Floris “Ms. Flo” Sorrells manages Brown Cemetery, her family’s historic resting place, almost entirely on her own. The cemetery was purchased in 1900 by her grandfather, Smith Sorrells, and has been cared for by her family ever since. Earlier this year, Ms. Flo went viral for sharing the story of her family’s cemetery and the challenges of preserving it.
We invite the community to come learn about the history of Brown Cemetery and support Ms. Flo’s efforts to preserve it for future generations.
This is a fundraiser to support the ongoing care, restoration, and preservation of Brown Cemetery.
Funds raised will go directly toward essential needs, including landscaping, installing a protective gate, cemetery repairs, securing historic landmark designation and marker, and creating interpretive signage.
Want to get involved?
To volunteer—help pick up branches, mow the lawn, or assist with building a fence
To donate—funds go directly to landscaping, gravestone repairs, and historical research
