It’s called Antioch Life Park Cemetery, a historic site tucked near Mountain Creek Lake. This sacred ground was once home to Antioch Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge, and the heart of a thriving Black community known as The Line. Before Grand Prairie had paved streets, before there were bridges or neighborhoods stretching to the lake, families worshiped here, learned here, and built lives of faith and resilience.

Many of the men buried in this soil served in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and beyond. Here are the known veterans with headstones at the cemetery:

Jack Adams
Will Adams
John Alexander
Bennie Allen
John Allen Jr.
Charles Anderson
Joseph V. Angle
Floyd Brown
James Brown
Vester Lee Caraway
Tyree Casey
J. Harvey Casey Jr.
Bird Christopher
Mack L. Clark
Judge Cole
Orville Taylor Cole
Robert L. Cook
Robert L. Cook Jr.
Bobby Joe Cooper
Robert Egan
William Egan
James Fain
Charles E. Fininen
Fred L. Foley
Gerald Gregory
Sidney Griggs
George W. Hardeman
Sidney Harmon
John Harris
Raymond Harris
Willie Harris
A.W. Hawthorne
L. D. Hayes
Leonza Herndon
Elmer Hill
Thomas Hill
C.J. Holland
Jackie Johnson
Johnny Johnson
Nolan Tray Johnson
Troy “Nub” Johnson
Ceolen Jones
Larry Eugene Jones
Sam Jones
Charlie L. Jordan
Robert Kennedy
Clarence Lee
Wilbert Little
Larry Dean Marshall
Charles McMillan
Charles Messmer
Ira Middleton
Edward Miholek
Loucious M Miller
Frank Montgomery
Ralph Moore
James E. Morton
Willie Mims Nelson
Alvin Nobles
Will Reed
Chester Lewis Richardson
Willie Henry Robinson
Cecil Rodgers
William Russell
Hubert Scott
James A Smith
Urel Smith
Cordia Smith Jr.
Jack W Smothers
Tarl Smothers
James Sneed
Jessie Spears
James C., Sr Stevenson
Ronald Storey
A.D. Sweatt
Sheridan Talley
Major Tallie
Tyree Taylor
Francisco Terrazas
Lawrence Thompson
Marvin Turner
Governor Walker
Elijah West
Jaysee O. White
Nat Williams
Rudolph Williams
Willie Williams
Willie Willis
Clyde Willrich
Johnnie Wiseman
James Wittman
Eddie Wren
James Yoder

Dr. Angela Lucky Vaughn, whose ancestors are buried at Antioch Life Park, is determined to keep this cemetery in the city’s memory. In our interview, she shared that most of the veterans here were African-American soldiers, laid to rest long before there was a designated Veterans Cemetery in the region. Some headstones have been swallowed by the earth, others lost under trees. Despite outreach to officials, the cemetery receives no funding or city maintenance, relying instead on volunteers who give their weekends to mow grass, clean headstones, and plant flags.

“We have more than a hundred veterans here,” Angela said.
“They served our country. They deserve to be remembered.”

The cemetery is privately owned, which makes funding from the municipal and federal government challenging, despite the number of veterans buried here. However, this cemetery suffers from foundation issues and sinking soil that are exp

That passion for remembrance is at the heart of a new tradition: Grand Prairie Veterans Day Parade, taking place this year on Saturday, November 8.

The parade will circle the waterfront behind The Epic, with speakers and entertainment at The Jambox Park. It’s a collaboration among local organizations, schools, and citizens who believe that honoring veterans means recognizing all who served.

Then, on Monday, November 10, high school students will gather at Antioch Life Park to clean headstones and place American flags on every veteran’s grave. It’s a powerful act of service—and one that ensures a new generation learns about the people who came before them.

“When I’m gone,” Angela said,
“I hope the students who came out here remember this place—and bring their families back someday.”

Many of the stories tied to Antioch Life Park connect directly to Ruthe Jackson, the matriarch of Grand Prairie history. Decades ago, she interviewed Angela’s grandmother, Iola Reed Smith, for her series It Happened in Grand Prairie.

In that 1986 recording, Ruthie and Iola talk about the early Black families who lived along The Line—the Reeds, the Jordans, the Watsons—and how they built schools and churches when they had nothing but determination and faith. Those oral histories, preserved on tape, are the foundation of everything Faces of Grand Prairie stands for today: community storytelling as preservation. Iola came back in June 1992 to talk to Ruthe about the upcoming Juneteeth celebration, and you can watch that interview here.

Carrying the Story Forward

When you visit the Grand Prairie Historical Organization and Museum on Main Street, you’ll see exhibits and archives that help connect these dots—the generations, the neighborhoods, and the unsung heroes. But places like Antioch remind us that some history still lives outside of walls and display cases.

So if you have a flag, bring it.
If you have time, come volunteer.
And if you have a story, tell it.

Because remembering isn’t just an act of history—it’s an act of love.

Grand Prairie Veteran’s Parade Saturday, November 8 Line up Starting at 8:00 AM, Parade starts at 10:00 AM

Cemetery Clean Up November 10 Starting at 9 am

Contact Dr. Angela Luckey-Vaughn at 469-644-8209 for more information on either event.

Click here to make a donation to Antioch Life Park Cemetery.

Support Local Storytelling

Help us continue producing stories like this by buying us a coffee at Faces of Grand Prairie. Every dollar helps us celebrate and educate our hometown through local media.

Their purpose was clear: to preserve and pass on to future generations the history of Grand Prairie. The charter members pledged not to be a social club but a working society, meeting only three times a year while devoting most of their energy to research, fundraising, and the preservation of local landmarks like the Goodwin Cabin and the Jordan–Bowles Home.

Tonight, the City of Grand Prairie officially honored that vision. With a proclamation signed by Mayor Ron Jensen and presented by Ruthe Jackson’s daughter, City Councilwoman Jorja Clemson read the proclamation to friends and members of the organization.

The proclamation read:

Whereas on August 23rd, 1975, the Grand Prairie Historical Organization was founded by Ms. Ruthe Jackson to preserve, protect, and promote the rich history of Grand Prairie. And whereas for five decades the organization has worked diligently to document stories, safeguard landmarks, and educate both residents and visitors about the city’s heritage and its role in the history of Texas… Therefore, I, Mayor Ron Jensen, on behalf of the citizens and the City Council of Grand Prairie, Texas, do hereby recognize August 23rd, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization and encourage all citizens to join in recognizing the members, past and present, whose dedication, talent, and passion have preserved and celebrated our city’s history.

The proclamation was officially signed, sealed, and delivered to the organization’s current President Bonnie Cockrum — a fitting tribute to five decades of preserving Grand Prairie’s past.

The celebration took place at the Grand Prairie Historical Museum, itself a milestone in the organization’s story. Opened in 2017, the museum serves as a permanent home for artifacts, photographs, and archives that span the city’s growth from a pioneer settlement to a thriving urban center.

Tonight also marked a changing of the guard. New officers were elected and reflect a mix of longtime historians and younger members stepping into leadership — a passing of the torch that brought excitement to everyone in attendance. The blend of experience and fresh energy promises a strong future for the organization’s mission.

New officers pictured below, from left to right:

President: Kay Dunbar

Vice President: Michael Sabat

Treasurer: Larry Barnes

Secretary: Jonathan Stegmann

Adding to the evening’s momentum, Stephanie Moreno presented an interactive history session titled “From Birth to Death.” The program traced Grand Prairie’s past through its doctors and hospitals, and even into its cemeteries. Attendees were invited to add their own stories and memories, which were recorded as part of the living archive.

As the proclamation was read aloud and the seal affixed, it was clear that what began as a determined group of volunteers in 1975 has grown into an institution woven into the very identity of Grand Prairie.

For fifty years, the Historical Organization has safeguarded the city’s story. And now, with new leadership, a dedicated museum, and community members still contributing their own voices, the work of memory-keeping is set to continue for generations more.

How to Support the Grand Prairie Historical Organization and Museum

The work of preserving Grand Prairie’s history depends on members, volunteers, and the generosity of the community.

➡️ Become a Member
Memberships are available at several levels:

• Student Membership – $20

• Teacher Membership – $20

• Preservation Member – $25

• History Maker Member – $100

• Dechman Member – $200

• Small Business Member – $250

• Corporate Member – $500

👉 Join here

➡️ Donate
Contributions directly support the GPHO & Museum, helping care for archives, preserve artifacts, and expand educational programming. You can also donate items from your own history in Grand Prairie…nothing is insignificant when it comes to our city’s history.

👉 Donate here

➡️ Visit the Museum
The Grand Prairie Historical Museum is open Monday–Saturday, 1–4 p.m. Visitors can explore permanent exhibits, rotating displays, and archives that bring the city’s history to life. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.

👉 Plan your visit

➡️ Fundraiser: Walking Through History Brick Walkway Project
Community members and businesses can purchase commemorative bricks for a walkway that will become a permanent part of the museum grounds. Bricks can honor a loved one, celebrate school pride, or spotlight a business — and every purchase supports museum enhancements, expanded exhibits, and more engaging displays.

👉 Buy a brick

➡️ Volunteer
From cataloging historic items to welcoming museum visitors, volunteers keep the organization strong.

Enjoy more pictures from the museum.

In 1976, Grand Prairie celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial, an effort pushed by the Bicentennial Commission, chaired by Ruthe Jackson. Groups would present an idea to the commission, who’d then help carry it out. “One of the most outstanding projects was nearly complete when the Commission was established. The replica of the Liberty Bell in City Hall Plaza was the result of the work of the Liberty Bell Steering Committee organized by the Texas Bluebonnet Chapter of the DAR,” Mrs. Jackson explained. (Quote taken from clippling below). They also did a recreating of the signing of the Declaration of the Independence (Clipping below).

The Western Days Parade was a long-held tradition around the 4th of July. It was a huge parade that ran through Main Street each year.

As fireworks light up the night sky and families gather across our city, we hope this Independence Day reminds you of the shared stories, memories, and community pride that make Grand Prairie so special.

Thank you for being part of the Faces of Grand Prairie family — and here’s to freedom, friendship, and the future we’re building together.

Stay safe, stay proud, and celebrate well.
— Faces of Grand Prairie Media Group

This conversation with Alex Dave explores the rich history of her hometown of Grand Prairie and growing up in the neighborhood of Dalworth. The conversation focuses on the speaker's family legacy, particularly her grandfather's influence as a prominent figure in the community. The discussion delves into the challenges of uncovering family history, the importance of empowering the next generation through dance, and reflections on self-image and community values. The speaker shares insights into the cultural heritage of the area, the impact of historical figures, and the ongoing quest to understand and preserve their family's legacy.

Alex’s grandfather, Eltee O. Dave, was featured in a 2011 story from D Magazine because of Dave’s influence in the Dallas food scene in the first half of the 20th century. Dave started Dave’s BBQ in the Elm Thicket, a freedman’s neighborhood in Dallas.

Though he ran several businesses and owned multiple properties in Dallas, Eltee was a resident of the Dalworth community, where he also owned several properties. The article states that Eltee owned at three ranches, which included a 204 acre farm in Carrollton and a 193 acre farm in Grand Prairie, which Alex refers to in our interview.

Eltee was the largest landowner in the Elm Thicket area, which is located right outside what is now Love Field. To expand into that area, the city of Dallas bought a portion of Eltee’s property in a forced sale, for which they paid him $125,000. He also owned several businesses, a motel and had expanded his BBQ restaurants. By 1955, Dave was given the moniker “The first black millionaire in Dallas.”

Despite his incredible financial success and influence, little is written about him in Grand Prairie papers, which Alex says in the interview was probably intentional on his part. He is listed as a member in good standing of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce in 1966, and there are a few articles with summaries from planning and zoning meetings that mention Eltee, but aside from that, there’s not much.

Eltee’s death is still a shrouded in some mystery to us now, much like his life. He was murdered in his restaurant in 1976, despite being wealthy at the time and not having to work. The man was a suspected heroin addict who killed him and stole $30 out of the register, missing the $1,200 in Eltee’s pocket, leading to suspicion that the robbery was just a rouge to hide the true motive for the murder. The man was convicted of the murder and served time in prison. Alex alludes to questions of some shady dealings on behalf of her grandfather in the interview, wondering if Eltee’s intentional desire to remain out of the public eye could have had something to do with questionable business dealings throughout his life, which could have factored into his murder.

Despite being wealthy throughout the majority of his life and owning quite a bit of real estate at his death, no one can answer what happened to it all after he was murdered. Because her grandfather died when she was only a baby, Alex didn’t know Eltee or realize the net worth of her grandfather until she was older. She explains in the interview growing up on the farm in Dalworth (193 acres was and is a huge tract of property for anyone in Grand Prairie, regardless of their race) then moving to Racquet Club in the 1980s, becoming one of the first black families in the affluent neighborhood. The Dalworth community fell victim to the drug epidemic in the 80s (a topic discussed at length in our interview with Warren Landrum on the history of Dalworth) and her parents moved the family to the south side of Grand Prairie to be in a safer neighborhood. Alex has taken legal action to find out what happened to her grandfather’s extensive estate, but has been met with a suspicious amount of obstacles at every turn.

Eltee was married Betty, Alex’s grandmother, which she refers to lovingly in our interview. While she didn’t know her grandfather, she knew her grandmother quite well and has fond memories of her growing up.

Alex now runs Dave’s Legacy, a non-profit in Dalworth. Among other services, the organization gives assistance for young ladies who want to participate in dance but can’t afford the cost. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and haven’t ever laughed that much in a recording. Alex was Avery’s dance teacher at The Epic a few years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed her being a part of the class. She still teaches A+ Dance at the Epic and I definitely recommend it.

He wrote two children’s books that were inspired by his granddaughter Mia, the main character in the beautifully illustrated books Always Be Your Best You and Mia Goes to Jamaica.

In The Heart & Soul of a Black Man, Warren shares his feelings through poetry, and during the pandemic, he published a fictional romance set partly on a cruise ship and partly in his beloved Jamaica (his wife’s home country) titled A Corona Love Affair.

Warren’s remaining books focus on history and his experiences of living in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois (Let’s Go Home to Indiana Harbor) and Grand Prairie, TX. Texas Politics: Grand Prairie Style is his memoir on running for office in 2013 and of course, The History and Perspective of the African-American Experience in Grand Prairie, Texas.

This book can be purchased through his website at the link below or read at the Main Library. (Because the book was commissioned by the city, the copy must remain at the library while reading). This was a delightful conversation in which we travel through the history of Grand Prairie

, as well as through the life of Warren himself.