Our favorite funny man and tv star legend, Sherman Hemsley of “The Jeffersons” is still not buried since his death five weeks ago. There is an ongoing case by one party who is counterclaiming Hemsley pending will. The man in question is Richard Thornton. As a result of this court action Shemnan Hemsley body lies in a refrigerator until this matter is settled. What a shame!
Here’s the story:
Sherman Hemsley, former star of The Jeffersons, is still not buried nearly five weeks after his death as a local court scrambles to validate his will.
Hemsley, who shot to fame with his role of George Jefferson, died on July 24. His body has been kept in refrigeration at an El Paso, Texas funeral home until it’s proven that his will, which names 56-year-old Flora Enchinton sole beneficiary of his estate, is valid.
Flora Enchinton was Sherman’s long term partner [although the two never married] Hemsley refers to Enchinton as a “beloved partner” in his will.
According to the Associated Press:
Richard Thornton, who says he’s the fallen actor’s brother, is contesting the will and saying he doesn’t believe Hemsley created it.
“Some people come out of the woodwork — they think Sherman, they think money,” Enchinton, who says she lived with Hemsley for over 10 years and he never mentioned a brother, told The AP about Thornton. “But the fact it that I did not know Sherman when he was in the limelight. I met them when they (Hemsley and Johnston) came running from Los Angeles with not one penny, when there was nothing but struggle.”
Flora Enchinton is upset by the the actions of the parties above tells KVIA El Paso News:
“It is disgraceful. It is sad. This was a man with dignity. I have never heard of anyone with the name of Richard Thornton in the 20 years I have known Sherman. This is not what Sherman would have wanted.”
A hearing is scheduled for September 30th. I surely hope these people settle this matter quickly out of respect for Hemsley. So Sad!