Small business owner, Local 10 viewer help 2 women featured in 'Call Christina' investigation

Man allegedly took women's money, didn't deliver headstones

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – It is an uplifting end to a heartbreaking "Call Christina" investigation about a South Florida man who took money for grave markers he never delivered.

In a July edition of "Call Christina," Local 10 News investigative reporter Christina Vazquez shared the story of Vernell Roker and Betty Williams.

RELATED: Man allegedly took women's money, didn't deliver headstones

In 2013, Roker had ordered a headstone for her daughter, Vicki, and Williams had ordered a headstone for her granddaughter, Kia.

Both women said the man they paid, Ricky Williams, of Community Monument and Casket Company, took their money and never produced the markers.

Over the phone, Williams confirmed their account with Vazquez. He claimed he would order the markers but, again, failed to deliver.

Roker would lumber through the grass of the Hallandale Cemetery where her daughter is buried, struggling to find her daughter.

"Last time I was here I couldn't find my baby. I couldn't find my child," she said.

The story moved Gina Hankerson, of Angelic Monument Company Inc., located in Lauderhill.

"When I heard her and saw her walking up and down the cemetery, it just brought tears to my eyes. You know, calling out for her daughter, it was very emotional. I can't imagine a mother not being able to find her daughter at the cemetery," said Hankerson.

Hankerson contacted "Call Christina," offering to donate markers so both Roker and Williams will be able to find their loved ones at the cemetery.

After the story aired, Local 10 viewer Grace Cespedes also called into the "Call Christina" hotline, offering to help.

Vazquez connected that viewer with Hankerson and put Angelic Monument Company staff in direct contact with Roker and Williams.

Local 10 News was there when Williams saw her marker for the first time.

"I feel peace, and I love the lady that made it possible. And Channel 10, too," said Williams.

Roker's marker will be available for pick-up in the coming days.

Hankerson began in the business of cleaning and taking care of headstones at cemeteries. It bothered her when she saw families unable to find loved ones.

"All grass looks the same. They think that they will remember, but they will never remember that day," Hankerson said. "I found myself helping them look for their loved ones headstone."

Hankerson wants to reassure the community that not all monument companies will take their money without following through.

"We're all a part of the same community, and that's why we're reaching out to her," Hankerson said. "At the lowest time of someone's life, you pitch in."

Follow Christina  Vazquez on Twitter @CallChristinaTV

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10