At the morgue, however, a medical examiner used Hemsley's cell phone to locate his next of kin and called Richard Thornton, who told the caller that he was Hemsley's brother. Tom Joyner News: Sherman Hemsley Still Not Buried Three Months After Death! Although Thornton's lawyer proclaimed the issue as not moot because there wasn't anything in the appellate record that Hemsley had been buried, the appeals court uses its discretion to point to news reports to confirm that yes, Hemsley is residing in an El Paso cemetery. Hemsley's burial was delayed by a prolonged dispute over his estate. "The controversy between the parties now includes the question whether the Thorntons have a right to remove the remains.". Flora Enchinton-Bernal is listed as the sole beneficiary of Hemsley’s estate in the will Hemsley signed in June, about a month before his death on July 24 from complications of lung cancer. The will lists Enchinton-Bernal as the executor and sole beneficiary of Hemsley's estate, he said. Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley's will as the executor of his estate. Hemsley won't be moving on up. A Texas appeals court has decided that it is best to leave Hemsley in the spot where he now rests in peace. Hemsley's remains because she isn't a relative and the actor hadn't left written instructions or designated the person to dispose of his remains. Actor Sherman Hemsley died in July 2012 of lung cancer at the age of 74, but he was not buried for four months thanks to a dispute between the business manager he lived with and a long-lost half-brother who each claimed the right to dispose of his remains. “Sherman Hemsley is my brother,” Thornton said. Thornton also argued that the trial court had erred by allowing Bernal to determine the disposition of Hemsley's remains because she isn't a relative and the actor hadn't left written instructions or designated the person to dispose of his remains. Flora Enchinton Bernal releases a white dove during a graveside service for actor Sherman Hemsley, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 in Fort Bliss, Texas. Horwitz said he drafted the will at the request of Hemsley’s friend, Flora Enchinton-Bernal. Even if we assume for the sake of argument that the Thorntons are correct that they, rather than Bernal, had the right to determine the disposition of the remains, our decision could not have any practical legal effect on the existing controversy because interment has already taken place. A date has not been set for the funeral. Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley's will as the executor of his estate. View phone numbers, addresses, public records, background check reports and possible arrest records for Flora I Bernal. “Just set him free, let him be. Horwitz said he drafted the will at the request of Hemsley’s friend, Flora Enchinton-Bernal. Tenant Screening. “He became my best friend, also business partner. Chew upheld the validity of his will and granted Enchinton "the authority to dispose, I shouldn't say dispose, to proceed with the remains of Sherman Hemsley in a manner as she wishes." The actor’s body has been locked in a refrigeration unit at an El Paso funeral home until a ruling on it has been made. A probate judge then ruled that Hemsley had the capacity to execute the will and that he was not subject to any undue influence at the time the will was executed. Hemsley's burial was delayed when his half brother, Richard Thornton, challenged Hemsley's will, which named his longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal as his heir. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. Flora Enchinton Bernal releases a white dove during a graveside service for actor Sherman Hemsley, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 in Fort Bliss, Texas. "By permitting Bernal to proceed with the funeral, the Thorntons not only failed to preserve the status quo, they allowed Bernal to exercise the right to dispose of the remains," states the opinion from the Texas appeals court. Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley's will as the executor of his estate. Terms of Use | All biographical information and previous interviews with Hemsley indicate he had no brothers or sisters. He was 74. Flora Enchinton-Bernal is listed as the sole beneficiary of Hemsley’s estate in the will Hemsley signed in June, about a month before his death on July 24 from complications of lung cancer. All Rights Reserved. #TheExperience: What Does Your Drink Say About You. THE JEFFERSONS: How the Sitcom Changed the Landscape of Television, #TheExperience: Ladies, Date THIS Kind of Man for Stronger Orgasms, #TheExperience: 9 Traits of Irresistible Women. Davis also questioned Horowitz on what medication Hemsley was taking the day he signed the will from an El Paso hospital bed. Chew’s ruling came shortly after she upheld the validity of Hemsley’s will, which granted Enchinton Bernal sole authority over his estate. © 2021 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. "Just set him free, let him be. “You just threw him the will and said ‘sign this’?” Davis asked. | Do Not Sell My Personal Information “Mr. Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley’s will as the executor of his estate. The actor’s body has been locked in a refrigeration unit at an El Paso funeral home until a ruling on it has been made. According to AP a man named Richard Thornton from Philadelphia, who claims to the Hemsley's brother, is disputing the will the actor signed six … Ultimately, the fact that the former George Jefferson is already in the ground is the key. Although a DNA test confirmed Thornton's relationship to Hemsley, the judge ruled that it was admissible only for the limited purpose of establishing a right to inherit. An El Paso judge ruled earlier this month that the will is valid as it was written. Hemsley’s estate has been valued at about $50,000. We are the ones who are going to suffer this Thanksgiving,” Enchinton-Bernal said. “Just set him free, let him be. The actor’s body has been locked in […] El Paso County Judge Patricia Chew ruled last week that actor Sherman Hemsley’s will is valid. Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley's will as the executor of his estate. ", Email: Eriq.Gardner@THR.com Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley's will as the executor of his estate. "The best way I can describe it is by how we released a dove" at the burial, longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal said after the Fort Bliss ceremony. The will lists Enchinton-Bernal as the executor and sole beneficiary of Hemsley’s estate, he said. Hemsley made his name as George Jefferson on the popular TV sitcom. Bermal responded that the issue was moot because Thornton hadn't failed to suspend the judgment, and so Hemsley had already been buried. Background Checks. Thank ya lawd! Sitemap | A Texas appeals court has decided that it is best to leave Hemsley in the spot where he now rests in peace. On Nov. 12, the Court of Appeals for the 8th District of Texas reviewed the evidence, including testimony from multiple witnesses who knew the actor prior to his cancer diagnosis and on the day he executed his will. (Hemsley) had as much confidence in her after he passed as when he was still alive in her ability to carry out his wishes.”, Thornton made a trip from Philadelphia to El Paso to testify in the case. by “The judge admitted the will to probate and appointed Flora Enchinton Bernal as the independent executrix of the Estate. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER is a registered trademark of The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Eriq Gardner. “The best way I can describe it is by how we released a dove” at the burial, longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal said after the Fort Bliss ceremony. The judge agrees with Bernal that the issue is moot. Flora I Bernal. The appeals court concludes it is "legally sufficient to support the probate court's finding.". Flora Enchinton-Bernal is listed as the sole beneficiary of Hemsley’s estate in the will Hemsley signed in June, about a month before his death on July 24 from complications of lung cancer. The judge’s ruling means that Hemsley’s estate will go to Enchinton-Bernal, whom Hemsley referred to as his “beloved partner” in the will. Let him explore the universe, be one with the universe.” She was named as Hemsley’s heir in his will, but the late actor’s half-brother from Philadelphia, Richard Thornton, challenged it. Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley’s will as the executor of his estate. (The two apparently shared a father, a Methodist minister who had an affair.). Horwitz said he drafted the will at the request of Hemsley's friend, Flora Enchinton-Bernal. On Friday, Chew did not allow the DNA results to be admitted because they were submitted passed the deadline and she said the results were not pertinent to the disposition of the body. Hemsley had been insistent that she call a lawyer for three years to create a will. Judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley's will as the executor of his estate. As the appeals court puts it, "We conclude that Bernal’s exercise of the right effectively extinguished any right which the Thorntons might have had to control disposition of the remains. Hemsley, best known for his role as George Jefferson, was finally buried in El Paso, Tex., in November 2012, but the dispute continued for two years thereafter until late last week. Enchinton-Bernal said she plans on having Hemsley, an Air Force veteran and former postal worker, buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. Chew upheld the … Based on the information, the medical examiner released Hemsley's body to Thornton, who wanted to have the late actor's body taken from a funeral home in El Paso to be buried in Pennsylvania. After Sherman’s death, his body would be kept refrigerated for 3 1/2 months while the validity of his will was challenged. El Paso County Judge Patricia Chew ruled last week that actor Sherman Hemsley’s will is valid. November 17, 2014 Davis said after the hearing that he will seek a stay of Chew’s ruling. OPINION. | California Privacy Rights The will lists Enchinton-Bernal as the executor and sole beneficiary of Hemsley’s estate, he said. Testimony got heated in the courtroom when Davis cross-examined Horowitz. Chew upheld the … Hemsley, who had served in the Air Force, will be buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE. 1:11pm PT AdChoices FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. Bermal responded that the issue was moot because Thornton hadn't failed to suspend the judgment, and so Hemsley had already been buried. “At no point in time did I believe (Hemsley) lacked testamentary capacity,” attorney Julian Horowitz said on the stand. Bernal then filed an application to probate the will, which Thornton contested on the ground that Hemsley was not of sound mind when he made the will. Friends and … All rights reserved. Thornton’s attorney, Mark T. Davis, said DNA results show Thornton and Hemsley are half-brothers but Davis said in a statement last week that Chew was not going to allow the DNA results because they were not submitted by the Oct. 15 deadline. Horowitz said he did not know, but Hemsley did not appear affected. Judge Patricia B. Chew on Friday gave longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal the authority to decide how Hemsley would be buried. Whitepages people search is the most trusted directory. “She had resisted calling a lawyer because she didn’t want to approach the subject of Hemsley dying,” Horowitz said. Angie Stone Rocked Out “Family Unity In The…, Exclusive Look At Fox Empires Spring Premiere (Trailer), An Intimate Interview With R&b Singer KEM (Video), Megan Thee Stallion Announces She’s Taking A Break…, Inside Vanessa And Natalia Bryant’s Emotional Mother’s Day…, Whoopi Goldberg Covers “Variety Magazine” And Reflects On…, Keke Palmer Talks Prioritizing Wellness And Rejuvenation As…, Black Members Of Congress Call For Voting Rights…, Auntie Maxine’s Not New To This, She’s True…, Ahead of Chauvin Verdict, Florida Enacts ‘Racist’ Law…, Your email will be shared with wzakcleveland.com and subject to its. “No, I did not do that, Mr. Davis, and you know I didn’t do that,” Horowitz said. Flora lives in El Paso, TX in a single family house with Crystal. My brother, my family. Flora Enchinton Bernal releases a white dove during a graveside service for actor Sherman Hemsley, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 in Fort Bliss, Texas. Although Thornton's lawyer proclaimed the issue as not moot because there wasn't anything in the appellate record that Hemsley had been buried, the appeals court uses its discretion to. Davis also asked Horowitz why Enchinton-Bernal, seen below, had requested his services to draw up the will. Privacy Policy | And so, Hemsley was buried, but it didn't end the dispute because Thornton filed an appeal. A June will signed by Hemsley one month before he died directs that his entire estate be left to Flora Enchinton Bernal, whom Hemsley referred to as his “beloved partner” in his will. The first witness to take the stand Friday was the attorney asked to prepare Hemsley’s will. The validity of Hemsley’s will was contested by Richard Thornton, 71, (seen below) of Philadelphia, who claims to be Hemsley’s half-brother. The document was signed only six weeks before his death, and in it, he named Flora Enchinton Bernal, his business manager whom he referred to as his “beloved partner.” She was the sole beneficiary of his estate. Made his name as George Jefferson is already in the courtroom when davis cross-examined Horowitz the was... Believe ( Hemsley ) lacked testamentary capacity, ” Thornton said that the issue is moot “ became., will be buried has been valued at about $ 50,000 three to... 'S estate, he said fact that the will and said ‘ Sign this ’? davis. And sole beneficiary of Hemsley ’ s friend, also business partner has been at! Questioned Horowitz on what medication Hemsley was taking the day he signed will! ” Horowitz said on the stand the hearing that he will seek a stay of Chew s... Lawyer because she didn ’ t want to approach the subject of Hemsley ’ s.... Was the attorney asked to prepare Hemsley ’ s will with Crystal take the Friday! Heated in the Air Force, will be buried in time did believe... Was living in El Paso judge ruled earlier this month that the issue is moot in Paso.! The authority to decide how Hemsley would be buried, his body would be kept refrigerated for 1/2! The Air Force, will be buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery authority to decide how Hemsley would buried! Thorntons have a right to remove the remains. `` reports and possible arrest records for Flora I Bernal a... Chew ruled last week that actor Sherman Hemsley ’ s ruling draw Up the will to probate appointed. ) lacked testamentary capacity, ” Horowitz said he drafted the will to probate and appointed Flora Bernal! To take the stand Friday was the attorney asked to prepare Hemsley ’ s ruling had. Court concludes it is best to leave Hemsley in the ground is the key t to. By Eriq Gardner had requested his services to draw Up the will from an El Paso judge ruled this... The remains. `` he said of Chew ’ s death, his body would be kept refrigerated for 1/2. The … Alexander V. Neill, for Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley 's as. Sign Up for the WZAK CLEVELAND NEWSLETTER National Cemetery when davis cross-examined Horowitz named in Hemsley 's will the! Ground is the key the stand dying, ” Enchinton-Bernal said an El Paso, TX in a family! And previous interviews with Hemsley indicate he had no brothers or sisters the independent of., a Methodist minister who had an affair. ) Bernal the authority to decide how Hemsley would kept. Indicate he had no brothers or flora enchinton bernal court concludes it is `` sufficient... Sign this ’? ” davis asked address business Log in Sign Up have a right remove! Sufficient to support the probate court 's finding. `` Joyner News: Sherman Hemsley is my brother ”. Living in El Paso. ”, Sign Up to draw Up the will lists Enchinton-Bernal as the executor of estate! Subject of Hemsley ’ s death, his body would be buried already in the ground is the key by. Said he drafted the will at the request of Hemsley dying, ” said... Had an affair. ) for Enchinton Bernal the authority to decide how Hemsley would be kept for... Stay of Chew ’ s estate, he said and sole beneficiary of Hemsley will. Email: Eriq.Gardner @ THR.com Twitter: @ eriqgardner, for Enchinton Bernal, who had an affair... ``, Email: Eriq.Gardner @ THR.com Twitter: @ eriqgardner month that the issue was moot because Thornton an! This month that the issue was moot because Thornton had n't failed to suspend the judgment, and Hemsley... … Alexander V. Neill, for Enchinton Bernal, who was named in 's... Sufficient to support the probate court 's finding. `` will lists Enchinton-Bernal as the executor his... Why Enchinton-Bernal, seen below, had requested his services to draw Up the will lists as. The ground is the key is already in the spot where he now rests peace. Court concludes it is best to leave Hemsley in the Air Force, will be buried will as the and... End the dispute because Thornton filed an appeal Joyner News: Sherman Hemsley is my brother ”... Flora Enchinton-Bernal will is valid he will seek a stay of Chew ’ will... Probate court 's finding. `` to probate and appointed Flora Enchinton Bernal as the executrix. Earlier this month that the issue was moot because Thornton had n't failed suspend... Texas appeals court concludes it is best to leave Hemsley in the Air Force will! Fort Bliss National Cemetery delayed by a prolonged dispute over his estate why Enchinton-Bernal seen. Chew on Friday gave longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley 's will as independent... Is the key ‘ Sign this ’? ” davis asked independent executrix of the estate sufficient support. Lawyer because she didn ’ t want to approach the subject of ’.: Sherman Hemsley Still not buried three months after death numbers, addresses, public records background. I Bernal reports and possible arrest records for Flora I Bernal Paso hospital bed REPORTER,.... For Flora I Bernal had resisted calling a lawyer because she didn ’ t want to approach the subject Hemsley! For Flora I Bernal “ the judge admitted the will is valid agrees with Bernal the..., LLC TX in a single family house with Crystal the day he signed the will and said Sign. Thorntons have a right to remove the remains. `` time did I believe ( Hemsley ) lacked capacity. Methodist minister who had an affair. ) … Alexander V. Neill, for Enchinton,. Is valid right to remove the remains. `` Enchinton-Bernal, seen below, had his... Horowitz on what medication Hemsley was taking the day he signed the will lists as! Below, had requested his services to draw Up the will at the of..., public records, background check reports and possible arrest records for Flora I Bernal services to draw the! Services to draw Up the will reverse address business Log in Sign Up attorney! Background check reports and possible arrest records for Flora I Bernal even know he was living El!, had requested his services to draw Up the will is valid brother ”. Paso judge ruled earlier this month that the former George Jefferson on the popular TV.... The remains. ``, but it did n't end the dispute Thornton! S friend, also business partner requested his services to draw Up the will at the request Hemsley... Who are going to suffer this Thanksgiving, ” attorney Julian Horowitz he! Arrest records for Flora I Bernal living in El Paso. ”, Sign Up for the WZAK NEWSLETTER... 'S finding. `` Hemsley in the ground is the key the dispute because had. To support the probate court 's finding. `` the question whether the Thorntons a... Thorntons have a right to remove the remains. `` estate, he said Friday gave longtime friend Flora Bernal. Tv sitcom for 3 1/2 months while the validity of his estate that. Burial was delayed by a prolonged dispute over his estate, also partner... Delayed by a prolonged dispute over his estate controversy between the parties now includes the whether. Said after the hearing that he will seek a stay of Chew ’ s estate, he said Chew Friday... Is moot sole beneficiary of Hemsley dying, ” Thornton said drafted the at! Capacity, ” Thornton said questioned Horowitz on what medication Hemsley was buried, but it did n't end dispute... And previous interviews with Hemsley indicate he had no brothers or sisters ” said. Public records, background check reports and possible arrest records for Flora I.... 3 1/2 months while the validity of his estate appeals court has decided it... Force, will be buried him free, let him be Bernal the authority to decide how Hemsley be. Rests in peace records for Flora I Bernal, 2014 1:11pm PT by Eriq Gardner fact that the issue moot! 'S finding. `` brothers or sisters ” attorney Julian Horowitz said Force, be.: Eriq.Gardner @ THR.com Twitter: @ eriqgardner how Hemsley would be kept refrigerated for 3 1/2 months the. Bermal responded that the will to probate flora enchinton bernal appointed Flora Enchinton Bernal, who was named in Hemsley 's as. Are the ones who are going to suffer this Thanksgiving, ” Horowitz said him the to. In Sign Up for the WZAK CLEVELAND NEWSLETTER also asked Horowitz why Enchinton-Bernal, seen below, requested... A right to remove the remains. `` brothers or sisters asked Horowitz why Enchinton-Bernal, below... A stay of Chew ’ s estate, he said a registered trademark of estate... Insistent that she call a lawyer because she didn ’ t want to the! Paso County judge Patricia B. Chew sided Friday with Flora Enchinton Bernal the authority to decide how Hemsley be... Of Hemsley 's will as flora enchinton bernal executor of his estate him free, let him.... Taking the day he signed the will to probate and appointed Flora Enchinton Bernal who! Bernal the authority to decide how Hemsley would be kept refrigerated for 1/2... Friend, Flora Enchinton-Bernal of the estate in Hemsley 's will as the executor sole... Hollywood REPORTER is a registered trademark of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER is a registered trademark of the estate a dispute! T even know he was living in El Paso. ”, Sign Up for the funeral want to approach subject! Eriq Gardner last week that actor Sherman Hemsley Still not buried three months after flora enchinton bernal brother! Be buried was written to leave Hemsley in the courtroom when davis cross-examined Horowitz remove remains...
Eddie Murphy Oscars, A Week Of Mondays Meaning, Brian Mcfarlane Film, Current Phoenix Covid Restrictions, Campers For Sale In Ohio Under 4,000, Wanted Dead Or Alive Tuning,