Family's bitter row over mother's gravestone is taken to court

The sons of Susannah Allison, who died in April last year, have been at loggerheads with their mother's second husband over the gravestone at St John the Baptist Church in Armitage, near Rugeley.

Paul and Gordon Matthewson – Mrs Allison's sons – had their late father's gravestone amended to include their mother as her ashes were put in the same grave.

But while the gravestone was away being inscribed, Mr Allison - Mrs Allison's second husband - had a plaque made and put it on the grave.

Now the matter has been taken to court in an attempt to find a resolution.

Stephen Eyres QC, a judge of the Church of England's Consistory Court, has ruled that the three should try to sort out their differences amicably.

If they don't he has indicated that he will block the erection of the gravestone planned by the sons.

In his judgment as a judge of the Consistory Court which has to approve matters relating to gravestones on consecrated ground, Mr Eyres, Chancellor of the Diocese of Lichfield, said: "Judges frequently say that they are dealing with a sad case. This is truly a case where the differences which have arisen are most unfortunate.

"It is clear that all concerned had a deep love for Susannah Allison but their feelings towards each other are anything but loving or, indeed, respectful.

"Various allegations of abusive behaviour since Mrs Allison's death and of poor behaviour while she was alive have been made."

Mrs Allison's first husband, Alan Mathewson, died in 1978, aged 48. His ashes were buried in the church yard of St John the Baptist Church at Armitage. In around 1983 Mrs Allison was married to William Allison and by the time she died had been married to him for 32 years.

Matters came to a head after Mrs Allison's ashes were put in Mr Matthewson's grave and her sons had their father's gravestone removed so that their mother's name could be added to it.

While it was away having her name, age and date of death with the words 'In loving memory of Susannah Cragg, a dear wife, mom, & nan' added, Mr Allison had a plaque made and put on the grave.

This also included her name, age and date of death and the words "Treasured memories of Susannah Cragg Allison, wife of Bill – love you, God bless till we meet again."

Paul and Gordon Matthewson asked Mr Eyres to order that the plaque should be removed.

The judge said there must be an inscription added referring to her widowhood and marriage to Mr Allison.

If this was not done the sons' tribute could not be erected to take the place of Mr Allison's.