Burial of Sherman Hemsley’s Body Delayed Due to Will Dispute
Published at(EL PASO, Texas) — Though former Jeffersons star Sherman Hemsley died over a month ago, he has yet to receive a proper burial.
Memorial services and burial for Hemsley, who died on July 24 of lung cancer, have been delayed because of a dispute over his will, according to El Paso, Texas’ KVIA-TV.
Hemsley named Flora Enchinton — whom he refers to as his “beloved partner” in his will — as the executrix of his estate. However, a man in Philadelphia named Richard Thornton, who claims to be Hemsley’s brother, is contesting the will. As a result, Hemsley’s body is being kept in a freezer at a funeral home, per an El Paso court’s order.
Enchinton tells KVIA she’s never heard of Thornton, and says it is “disgraceful” that Hemsley’s body is currently stored in a freezer.
Hemsley, who was 74 at the time of his death, is best remembered for playing George Jefferson on All in the Family and its spin-off, The Jeffersons.
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