Hendersonville, NC, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Lelia Maud Davidson Hansell, known as the ‘Sunshine Lady,’ has left a captivating legacy in Hendersonville. Her unique above-ground vault in Oakdale Cemetery, designed to receive sunlight, has become a focal point of ghostly legends since her passing in 1915. Reports of mysterious phenomena at her grave have contributed to local folklore, transforming it into a noteworthy attraction, even leading to the vault being sealed in concrete to manage public intrigue.
Hendersonville – The haunting legacy of Lelia Maud Davidson Hansell, affectionately known as the “Sunshine Lady,” continues to captivate residents and tourists in Hendersonville. Buried in Oakdale Cemetery, her unique above-ground vault, designed to let sunlight in, has become a focal point of ghostly legends and public fascination since her passing from pulmonary tuberculosis in December 1915 at the age of 54.
Hansell’s husband, Judge Charles P. Hansell, honored her wish for a sunlit resting place by commissioning an above-ground burial chamber with a lid embedded with glass discs, or “vault lights.” This innovation allowed sunlight to permeate the burial chamber, fulfilling her request for rays of sunshine even in death. Over the decades, visitors have reported a range of unusual phenomena at her grave, including sightings of strands of hair, faint outlines of a skull, and a mysterious warm glow emanating from beneath the glass.
Accounts from the early 20th century describe an intriguing public interest that surged around Hansell’s grave, drawing attention from both local and national media. Journalists recounted sightings that added to the mysterious aura surrounding her resting place, with some describing her face as peaceful and shrouded in gray. Children took to selling water to tourists, hoping to enhance visibility through the glass, while enterprising visitors began charging others for a glimpse of the grave, effectively transforming it from a solemn memorial into a commercial attraction.
In 1926, a detailed article brought further scrutiny to the phenomena surrounding the grave, highlighting debates among visitors about what could actually be seen. Some insisted they spotted Lelia’s full figure, while others maintained that no discernible image was ever visible. J.M. Stepp, the undertaker responsible for building the vault, clarified that Lelia’s body was not embalmed in accordance with her wishes, dismissing any rumors regarding concerns over claustrophobia affecting her burial preference.
Reports of visitors returning repeatedly to capture the sunlight at precise angles only intensified community tensions regarding the attention the grave was receiving. By 1937, the disruptive curiosity led to the decision to cover the vault with concrete and transform it into a traditional stone structure, virtually sealing it off from public view. Nevertheless, even after the sealing, stories persisted of lingering sensations in the vicinity, including unexplained temperature shifts and a consistently warm atmosphere near the grave.
The “Sunshine Lady” has thus evolved into a poignant symbol of enduring love, fascination, and the folklore surrounding her unique story. Her tale intertwines with the history of Hendersonville, an area rich in other local legends including haunted narratives from Lees-McRae College, eerie tales related to Jump Off Rock, and the chilling myths of the French Broad River Siren.
Background Context
Following her death, Lelia Hansell’s wish for sunlight in her burial led to an unconventional vault design that became the center of supernatural lore. The captivating nature of her story reflects both the love shared by a husband for his wife and the community’s enduring fascination with the unknown. The consequent variations in reported sightings and experiences at her grave demonstrate how folklore can evolve, capturing the imaginations of generations.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Lelia Maud Davidson Hansell |
| Nickname | “Sunshine Lady” |
| Date of Death | December 1915 |
| Cemetery | Oakdale Cemetery, Hendersonville |
| Unique Burial Design | Above-ground vault with glass discs for sunlight |
| Reported Phenomena | Strands of hair, skull outlines, warm glow |
| Community Impact | Increased tourism and folklore surrounding grave |
| Current Status | Sealed in concrete but still visited |
FAQ
Who was the Sunshine Lady?
Lelia Maud Davidson Hansell, a teacher known for her cheerful nature, earned the nickname “Sunshine Lady” after her death in 1915.
Why is her grave notable?
Her grave features a unique above-ground vault with glass discs, designed to allow sunlight to enter, which has led to reports of ghostly sightings and a local folklore.
What reported phenomena have occurred at her grave?
Visitors have reported seeing mysterious strands of hair, outlines of a skull, and a warm glow coming from beneath the glass of her vault.
When was her grave sealed?
The vault was covered with concrete in 1937 due to public disturbances caused by the increased attention and curiosity surrounding her grave.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Unique Grave of Lelia Maud Davidson Hansell in Hendersonville
Additional Resources
- Tombstone Tales: The Sunshine Lady of Hendersonville’s Unusual Final Resting Place
- Wikipedia: Oakdale Cemetery
- Strangeville: The Eerie Legend of Hendersonville’s Sunshine Grave
- Google Search: Hendersonville Sunshine Lady
- Buncombe County Fugitive Found on Parkway Now in Custody
- Google News: Hendersonville NC
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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