Someone stole a couple's grave markers from the Melbourne cemetery where they were buried, and the family wants them back.

  • Pauline, Archie Phillips' grave markers missing
  • Couple buried at Tucker Memorial Cemetery Shady Oaks
  • Melbourne police are investigating

Joyce Parrish discovered the theft during a spontaneous visit to her mother's and stepfather's graves at the Tucker Memorial Cemetery Shady Oaks off US 1.

"I think it's very disrespectful for them to take it," Parrish said. "I realized the headstones weren't here anymore."

Pauline Phillips was buried at the cemetery in 2010, her stepfather, Archie, two years later in 2012. Two unmarked graves represent their spots.

Parrish said she shook her head in disbelief, and called her brother Mike in Maryland.

He filed a report with Melbourne Police.

Tucker Memorial was established in 1912 by the local African-American community through selling peanuts and potato pies.

There are nearly 250 gravesites, many unmarked.

Parrish can't understand why someone would take her parents' markers.

"Somebody needs to watch the graveyard more closely," she said.

We are trying to get in touch with the cemetery caretaker for comment.

The cemetery is right off busy US 1. There's no fence around the property, and anyone can walk in.

The family is hoping someone knows something about the theft and calls police.