Oakland Cemetery: A Family Guide to Burial and Cremation Options

For families choosing Oakland Cemetery for a loved one's final resting place, this guide walks through the cemetery's history, sections and pricing, what's required vs. optional, the burial process, and how to coordinate a visit or burial. Oakland Cemetery Oakland Cemetery, established in 1894 on land that became Malcolm X Boulevard, is one of the most historically significant cemeteries in Dallas's African American community. For nearly 130 years, generations of South Dallas families have been buried at Oakland, and many family lines have multiple generations of relatives in the cemetery. Oakland represents a profound connection to Dallas's African American heritage and history.

Vargas-London coordinates burials at Oakland Cemetery regularly. We do not own or operate the cemetery, do not earn referral fees, and have no financial interest in any specific burial location. We help families compare options based purely on what serves the family.

About Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery
3900 Malcolm X Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
Type: Historic non-denominational; established 1894; deep ties to South Dallas African American community

Oakland Cemetery, established in 1894 on land that became Malcolm X Boulevard, is one of the most historically significant cemeteries in Dallas's African American community. For nearly 130 years, generations of South Dallas families have been buried at Oakland, and many family lines have multiple generations of relatives in the cemetery. Oakland represents a profound connection to Dallas's African American heritage and history.

The cemetery covers approximately 40 acres and includes:

• Established 1894; one of the oldest cemeteries in Dallas
• Deep historic ties to South Dallas African American community
• Many multi-generational family burials
• Located on Malcolm X Boulevard in South Dallas

Burial sections and pricing in 2026

Plot and burial pricing at Oakland Cemetery varies by section. Approximate 2026 pricing:

• Standard in-ground plot: $2,500–$6,000, depending on section and location within the cemetery.
• Premium garden or feature plots: $10,000–$25,000+ for prime locations with mature landscaping or special features.
• Mausoleum entombment: Limited or no mausoleum. Eye-level crypts are typically the most expensive; lower or upper crypts are often less.
• Columbarium niche for cremated remains: $1,200–$3,500.
• Cremation garden ground interment: $1,500–$4,500 for ground burial of cremated remains in a designated section.
• Family lot (multiple plots together): variable pricing depending on number of plots and location.

Additional fees separate from the plot purchase:

• Opening and closing of grave: $1,500–$2,800 per interment
• Vault or grave liner: $700–$3,500 (required by most cemeteries' policies)
• Saturday or holiday opening: typically a 25–50% surcharge on opening/closing
• Monument or marker: $1,500–$5,500+ from a separate monument company, ordered 4–12 weeks after burial

What's required vs. what's optional

Common cemetery requirements (varying by cemetery and section):

• Vault or grave liner: most cemeteries require this. The vault prevents ground subsidence as the casket decomposes. Oakland Cemetery typically requires a vault for in-ground burial, though specific section policies vary.
• Casket specifications: most cemeteries accept standard caskets but may have requirements for certain religious sections (e.g., plain wood for Jewish sections; specific Catholic specifications for Catholic cemeteries).
• Section-specific rules: certain sections require religious affiliation (Catholic sections require baptized Catholic; Jewish sections require Jewish identity in some cases).
• Embalming: not typically required by cemeteries; required only by family choice or for transport.

What's NOT required:

• Embalming is not legally required by Texas (Texas Health & Safety Code §711.011)
• A casket is not required for cremation (Texas allows cremation containers)
• Multiple certified death certificates are not required by the cemetery (the cemetery typically receives one copy)

Burial process at the cemetery

The graveside service or Rite of Committal at Oakland Cemetery typically lasts 15–30 minutes. The process:

• The procession arrives from the church or funeral home
• Pallbearers carry the casket to the graveside
• Family is seated near the graveside; broader gathering stands behind
• The clergy or officiant leads prayers, scripture, and final commendation
• The casket is lowered into the grave (or placed in the mausoleum)
• Family may shovel earth onto the casket (Jewish tradition); place flowers (Christian tradition); or simply observe
• The clergy or officiant offers final blessing and dismisses the gathering
• Family typically stays briefly at the graveside before departing

The cemetery completes the actual burial after the family departs. The grave is filled, the marker (if already placed) confirmed, and the area cleaned. A monument or headstone is typically added 4–12 weeks later.

Visiting the cemetery: practical notes

For ongoing family visits to a loved one's grave at Oakland Cemetery, practical notes:

• Hours: most DFW cemeteries are open 7 AM to dusk, daily. Specific hours vary; call ahead for confirmation.
• Parking: typically free at on-site visitor parking
• Floral arrangements: most cemeteries permit flowers placed at the gravesite. Check policies on artificial flowers, glass containers, candles. Oakland Cemetery's policies on flower placement should be confirmed before the first visit.
• Decorations: birthday balloons, religious items, photo frames — varying policies by cemetery and section
• Pet visits: typically permitted on leash; check specific cemetery policy
• Maintenance: most cemeteries handle ground maintenance; family does not need to weed or mow
• Annual flower programs: many cemeteries offer subscription flower placement programs — the cemetery places fresh flowers on the grave on holidays, anniversaries, etc.

How Vargas-London coordinates with the cemetery

For families using Oakland Cemetery for burial, Vargas-London handles:

• Initial cemetery contact and section selection consultation
• Pricing comparison between sections, plots, and mausoleum options
• Timing coordination between the funeral home, the church (if applicable), and the cemetery
• Transportation of the casket to the cemetery
• Procession coordination with police escort if requested
• Casket selection that meets cemetery requirements
• Vault or grave liner ordering through the cemetery
• Monument or marker referral to a separate monument company
• Family follow-up after the burial

There is no upcharge for Oakland Cemetery coordination. Our published packages cover all cemetery coordination at any DFW cemetery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be buried at Oakland Cemetery?

Oakland Cemetery is non-denominational and accepts burials from families of any background. However, the cemetery's historic significance means that many families with multi-generational ties to South Dallas's African American community choose Oakland for the connection to their family's history. Eligibility is open to anyone purchasing a plot.

Why is Oakland on Malcolm X Boulevard?

The street was renamed in honor of Malcolm X. The cemetery has been at this location since 1894, predating the renaming. For families who choose Oakland, the location at Malcolm X Boulevard adds to the symbolic significance of the burial — both the deep historic Texas African American community heritage and the broader American civil rights legacy.

How do I purchase a plot at Oakland Cemetery?

Contact Oakland Cemetery pre-need office directly to purchase a plot in advance, or work with Vargas-London at the time of need to purchase. Plot purchases require selection of section, completion of cemetery contract, and payment. Pre-need plot purchase locks in today's pricing for future use.

Can I be buried at Oakland Cemetery if I'm not affiliated with a specific religion?

For non-denominational sections, no religious affiliation is required. For denominational sections (Catholic, Jewish), specific affiliation requirements apply. Oakland Cemetery's pre-need office confirms eligibility based on section choice.

Does Vargas-London receive a referral fee from the cemetery?

No. We have no financial relationship with any cemetery. Our recommendation reflects what we believe serves the family. Cemetery costs are paid directly to the cemetery, not through us.

Can I order a monument from a non-cemetery monument company?

Yes, in most cases, though some cemeteries (especially Catholic cemeteries) require monuments to come from their on-site or approved monument company. Confirm with the cemetery before ordering. See our DFW vendor directory for monument company options.

Watch — Cemetery Choice

How to choose a cemetery.

A consumer's guide to evaluating cemeteries — type, location, rules, and pricing — so families can make an informed long-term choice.

Source: Essential Buyer's Guide to Family Mausoleums · embedded for educational use.