Missing headstone at Memory Gardens Cemetery found

Volunteers working to restore Memory Gardens Cemetery, located along Highway 86, between El Centro and Brawley, made an exciting discovery on Saturday morning.

Volunteer Kim Vincent said, “Today we uncovered a headstone that had been buried for many years.”

The headstone belonging to Erna Sergent, born 1914, deceased 1938, was found sunken nearly a foot down near the headstones of her parents.

George Broome, the only relative in the area, was present for the discovery.

“Thought it been misplaced or stole. Headstone had just sunk completely down. So we didn’t even know it was even still here,” Broome said.
Vincent said there may be dozens, if not more, of sunken headstones at the neglected cemetery.

“We don’t know how many headstones are buried at this time. We may never know how many we’re walking on,” Vincent said.

636 headstones have been identified, with 78 veterans among them.

The restoration work is long term, Vincent explained. She said they’re looking to spend probably a couple of years working there to complete the restoration.

Broome thanks Vincent and the volunteers on behalf of his family.
Erna would have been his aunt. She was 24 at the time of her death, the oldest of four children. Her headstone is now raised to the proper level, and lays next to those of her father and mother.

“My grandmother was originally from Germany. Her parents were from Germany. And my grandfather was from Illinois,” Broome said.

He added that the volunteers are doing a good job in restoring Memory Gardens Cemetery.