A Fleeting Legacy: The Tale of Missing Headstones

A Broken Trust in Jacksonville

Ah, Jacksonville, a city meant to be a sanctuary for our departed loved ones. Yet, several grieving families find themselves amidst a dilemma. They’ve turned to Ask Anthony in despair. Their trust in a local business, Remake Stones, has seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving shattered promises in its wake.

A Long-Awaited Tribute

Take, for instance, Roscheika Mickens. In 2017, her cousin was tragically murdered, mere days before his birthday. Nearly eight years have passed without justice or even a headstone to mark his memory. Mickens approached Remake Stones in January, parting with $600 for a custom memorial featuring her cousin’s likeness. The assurance? It’d be ready for his 40th birthday on February 21. But alas, the promised tribute remains unseen.

Missed Deadlines and Vague Assurances

“He promised it would be done by February 21st,” Mickens recalls. Upon failing to meet the deadline, business owner Raynard Rogers allegedly offered a $200 refund once the stone was set. Yet, she waits. By July, the only update was about a missing photograph, with another fortnight promised. How disappointingly familiar.

Broken Stones, Broken Hearts

Roscheika isn’t alone. Francella Melton also paid for a headstone way back in March. Intended to commemorate her dear mother by Mother’s Day, the stone was delayed and, once finally delivered, it failed to meet any expectation. “It’s as if he pushed it off a truck,” Melton shared, visibly distraught. Her mother’s image was in pieces. “I cried… it felt disrespectful to us both,” she lamented.

Silence from Remake Stones

Attempts to reach out to Rogers proved futile. Phone calls were met with disconnected lines or automated messages. Even the Ask Anthony team found themselves at a dead end. A visit to the Lem Turner Road office revealed a “closed” sign, accompanied by a scribbled note insisting: “We are not out of business.”

The Pain of Waiting

Social media offered little solace. The last post on the Remake Stones Facebook page, dated August 19, simply stated: “Good Morning, we are working hard to finish.” Nonetheless, customers continue to wait. “You don’t care about somebody’s grave?” Melton questioned, her voice heavy with emotion. “This is sacred.”

Seeking Answers and Accountability

Hours before the article’s release, Anthony Austin managed to uncover a new contact number. The voicemail was a plea for patience: “We’ve been changing suppliers… bear with us a few more weeks.” A change of suppliers and health woes were cited, yet families are left in anguish.

Empathy in Action

If you’ve been similarly affected by Remake Stones, know you’re not alone. Reach out to AskAnthony@firstcoastnews.com. Share your experience, for one’s legacy deserves to be honoured with dignity and respect.