A while back, I wrote an article on Elvis Presley’s grave and the
strengths and weaknesses in the memorial’s design. At that time, I referenced the
consolidation of his mother’s cross and the statue of Jesus, both made from marble,
which was given to Elvis one Christmas by his friends. Together, the two look great. I
took the picture of the two shown with this article during my tour of Graceland on January
31, 2005.
"IHS" Does Not Mean "In His Service"
The cross that was originally at Gladys Presley’s grave before its relocation to
Graceland, has "IHS" at the top of the cross. If you ask most folks what this
means they will tell you it stands for "In His Service." In fact, this statement
is incorrect. "IHS" is an abbreviation for the Greek word, IHSOYS, meaning
"Jesus." Since most folks in the United States do not read Greek, I discourage
the use of "IHS," as Greek is not our national language and it is often
misinterpreted. "Jesus" would serve much better, I think.
Gladys Presley’s Prominent Cross and Elvis’ Statute of Jesus Fit Well
Together
Gladys’ cross is made from beautiful high-quality marble. I presume her son bought
this expensive memorial gift for his mother. Initially, both Gladys and her son Elvis were
buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis. Vernon had their graves relocated to Graceland
for security purposes. Afterwards, his father and paternal grandmother were buried in
Graceland as well.
The statue appears to have three bases, a bottom base with two sub-bases. The bottom base
has interesting lines. The sub-base that sits on the base with the family name
"Presley," has a reverse "OG" or reverse "S" with scroll
work on each end, with a possible wash on the bottom base. This is a nice accent in
itself. The angels on each end give a nice balance.
Originally, the cross was Gladys Presley’s memorial statue at Forest Hill Cemetery.
It would have shown the angels looking up at the cross. Elvis’ friends gave him the
marble carving of Jesus one Christmas, and the Presley family chose to display the statue
of Jesus with the Cross at Graceland. The Cross with the statute of Jesus, with the two
angels looking upward in deference and obedient posture is quite beautiful. Together, this
was the most attractive part of the Presley Memorial.
Analysis of Birth & Death Dates Provides Clues
Gladys Love Smith Presley (b. Apr. 25, 1912, d. Aug. 14, 1958) was the wife of Vernon
Elvis Presley (b. Apr. 10, 1916, d. June 26, 1979). Gladys and Vernon were the parents of
Elvis Aaron Presley (b. Jan. 8, 1935, d. Aug. 16, 1977) and Jessie Caron Presley (d. Jan.
8, 1935) Elvis’ twin brother, who was stillborn.
When you look at graves, you have an opportunity to analyze such things as the ages and
the relationships of the individuals. With a family history, there are more clues than the
ages of the family and the birth and death order.
Gladys was 3 years 11 months 15 days older than her husband Vernon. Gladys was only 46
years 3 months 19 days at the time of her passing. Vernon lived a longer life, dying at 63
years 2 months 16 days. Vernon outlived his son, Elvis, by 1 year 10 months 10 days. Both
died on a Tuesday. Perhaps the passing of Elvis influenced Vernon’s death.
As you view Elvis’ grave, his father Vernon is buried to the right of Elvis, and
Vernon’s mother, Elvis’ paternal grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley (b. June 17,
1890, d. May 8, 1980) is buried on the left side. Minnie Mae Presley outlived both her son
Vernon and her grandson, Elvis. Her ledger indicates that she had five children, two boys
and three girls.
Elvis Was Only 23 When His Mother Passed Away
Elvis was a young 23 years 7 months 6 days at the time of his mother’s passing. The
impact of losing his mother during Elvis’ early 20s must have had a very hard impact
on this young man from Tupelo, Mississippi. It is noteworthy that Elvis died two days
after the 21st anniversary of his mother’s passing. Elvis was only 42 years 7 months
8 days at the time of his own passing. He died too young!
A while back, I wrote an article on Elvis Presley’s grave and the
strengths and weaknesses in the memorial’s design. At that time, I referenced the
consolidation of his mother’s cross and the statue of Jesus, both made from marble,
which was given to Elvis one Christmas by his friends. Together, the two look great. I
took the picture of the two shown with this article during my tour of Graceland on January
31, 2005.