The first record of Willow Dale Cemetery dates back to 1853, when the city of Goldsboro purchased two acres of land from William B. Edmondson. This plot, located on Elm Street between John and Isler Streets, was laid out by Rev. Charles Nelson, who designed the cemetery with eight-foot-wide drives to accommodate horse-drawn buggies. The layout featured multiple squares available for purchase as family burial plots. The cemetery's two main entrances on Elm Street were marked by eight brick gateposts, each topped with a one-foot acorn—a symbol of strength, security, and abundance.

In 1850, Wayne County had a population of just over 13,000, with about 1,000 residents living in Goldsboro. Among those contributing to the development of Willow Dale were several Jewish families from Goldsboro. They purchased a large section on the hillside to the left of the entrance, not as a matter of segregation but to provide burial spaces for Jewish individuals from smaller, surrounding communities. This area now holds over 100 graves, many belonging to people who were not from Goldsboro. Other Jewish families secured plots throughout the original sections to accommodate their relatives as needed.

During the Civil War, a large square in the cemetery was set aside for soldiers who died in the conflict and had no family to claim their bodies. Over time, approximately 800 men—confederate and union soldiers who were victims of battle wounds or disease—were buried in a mass grave at Willow Dale.

As the cemetery's space filled, additional land was purchased to meet the growing need. Over the years, 35 acres were added, and most recently, the Friends of Willow Dale acquired another 13 acres, bringing the total area to roughly 50 acres. Today, Willow Dale Cemetery stands as a testament to Goldsboro's history, with its expanding grounds reflecting the community's growth over time.

Today, a new group has emerged called the Willow Dale Cemetery Preservation Society, a legitimate non- profit organization that works to protect and preserve the cemetery.