Baby Finally Gets Grave Marker at California Cemetery 120 Years After Her Death

Inglewood Park Cemetery in California has recently rectified a long-standing oversight by installing a grave marker for Maytie Raker, the first person to be buried at the site, 120 years after her passing. This significant event underscores the importance of remembering those who were lost, especially those who may have been overlooked in history.

Maytie Raker was just four months old when she died on July 20, 1906. As the inaugural burial at Inglewood Park Cemetery, her grave remained unmarked for over a century. This absence of a marker prompted calls for recognition and honouring of her memory from both community leaders and the cemetery’s management.

Inglewood city council member Alex Padilla expressed the sentiment that it was vital to “do the Raker family justice.” He emphasised that the ceremony held in Maytie’s honour was reflective of a community that remembers its past. “Today is one of those gone, but never forgotten moments. And we celebrate the life of Maytie,” he stated.

The headstone, commissioned by cemetery leaders, marks a significant effort to amend a historical injustice. Brendt Stallings, the CEO of Inglewood Park Cemetery, conveyed the cemetery’s longstanding role within both the Inglewood and broader Los Angeles communities. “We were here even before Inglewood was a city,” he noted. “We like to say sometimes that we are probably the most permanent institution in this community.”

The grave marker features a touching design, adorned with butterflies and a flower motif, which aligns with the gentle nature of this poignant ceremony. Inscribed with the words “forever in our hearts,” the marker now stands as a testament to the short life of Maytie Raker. She is buried beside her sister Hattie, whose own headstone reflects a similar design.

Speaking to the emotional significance of the day, city council member Dionne Faulk remarked, “That’s what the city of Inglewood is. We are family; we remember important days and times, and we come together for the good times; we also come together to remember.” Such sentiments resonate deeply within a community that values its history and collective memory.

The Raker family’s legacy did not end with Maytie and Hattie, as their brother Alexander lived into his 90s, passing away in 1993. His longevity ensures that the familial connections endure, bridging the gap between generations.

Further emphasising the enduring presence of the cemetery, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts stated, “Long after the stadiums have worn out, the arenas have worn out, Inglewood Park Cemetery will still be here.” This remark highlights the cemetery’s role as a lasting monument to the lives that have shaped the community and its history.

Inglewood Park Cemetery’s dedication to honouring Maytie Raker serves as a reminder of the importance of remembrance and recognition in preserving the stories of those who have gone before us. The installation of her headstone not only acknowledges her existence but also cements her place in the fabric of local history.