‘It’s been an emotional rollercoaster’: Detroit family upset over memorial bench delay

Sharon Hopsin is asking for a full refund

DETROIT – Sharon Hopsin has been getting the run around for nearly a year when it comes down to a memorial bench she purchased in June of 2021 for her late mother, Pandora Hopsin.

She says the whole ordeal has been an emotional rollercoaster.

“Me and brother went half on a bench for my mother with names and stuff to remember her by,” said Hopsin. “I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster to the point where I had to chew on a couple of aspirin to bring it down. I could feel my blood pressure rising.”

Hopsin says the story of the matter is constantly changing.

“This right here is a bit much,” Hopsin said. “To be waiting and somebody telling you one minute the bench is in, and then for them to say, ‘oh, it’s not.’”

This family could not even celebrate Mothers Day at the cemetery, to make matters worse. Without the bench being installed, Hopsin says that there’s no indication of where her mother’s body may be buried.

“It’s like, how can you find what you’re looking for?” Hopsin said. “This is the worst way to remember. I don’t wish this on my worst enemy because this is terrible.”

Now Hopsin just wants her money back.

“At this point, I would like a full refund because I’m done with this rollercoaster ride,” Hopsin said. “This is terrible.”

The cemetery sent Local 4 News the following statement about the situation:

“Unfortunately, between supply chain delays and how wet that section of the cemetery has been all winter and early spring, we waited to place the bench until the ground was drier so the bench can be safely and properly installed. We sincerely apologize to Ms. Hopson if this message was not effectively communicated. Forest Lawn will make it a priority to place this family bench in the coming days now that temperatures are rising.”

Forest Lawn Cemetery Management

About the Authors

Victor Williams joined Local 4 News in October of 2019 after working for WOIO in Cleveland, OH, WLOX News in Biloxi, MS, and WBBJ in Jackson, TN. Victor developed a love for journalism after realizing he was a great speaker and writer at an early age.

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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