On or about April 22, 2007, someone cut down the Japanese Maple Tree which I planted on my mother’s grave in the Batesville Cemetery about 10 years ago.   My mother was Gladys Wardlaw Robertson and is buried near the southeast corner of the cemetery.

This was a very beautiful tree which meant very much to me and my family. I have been very disturbed since learning of this act of vandalism. If anyone in the community has any knowledge that would lead to the identify of who did this, I would greatly appreciate it.

We have talked to the the current caretakers of the cemetery and they were as shocked as we were when they found the cut tree at the front gate about two weeks ago.

My husband, Charles R. Mitchell, and I grew up in the area and find it hard to understand how someone would do this to a gravesite. If anyone has any information, please contact us at (850) 492-0125 or write us at 16290 North Shore Drive, Pensacola, FL, 32507.

Thanks very much.

Jo Ann Mitchell