By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
Where there used to be light at Weaver's Cemetery on Appleton Road is now mostly shrouded in darkness after a theft last weekend.
On a visit to the cemetery Sunday afternoon, Joyce Peacock discovered someone had taken solar lights from around several gravesites at the cemetery including those around the grave of her daughter, Leeta Newton.
Peacock said she sometimes lights candles at the gravesite, weather permitting. She put solar lights in place so lights would be burning even if she were unable to light the candles, she said.
Peacock said she couldn't stand knowing the grave of her daughter would be in the dark for even one night.
Angela Jaro, whose father Buddy Anthony is buried at Weaver's Cemetery, is also appalled at the thefts.
Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith said the theft is a crime.
Catching thieves of this kind is difficult if not impossible, Smith said.
Several other graves had solar lights taken from the sites as well, Peacock said.
Although the theft in Weaver's Cemetery included the lights throughout the entire site, Smith said thefts of this kind are not as widespread as in the past.
With more than 300 graves at the site, many are decorated with family memorabilia with special significance to those who remain, Peacock said.
Many families of those buried at Weaver's Cemetery have developed a closeness over the years, Jaro said.
Anthony's gravesite has been made into a small garden, Jaro said.
Smith said the sheriff's department has little to go on in finding the people responsible for the thefts at Weaver's Cemetery.
Smith said anyone with information concerning the thefts at Weaver's Cemetery is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff's Department at 867-0304.