# Sherman Hemsley’s Funeral: A Lonely Farewell to a Sitcom Legend
Sherman Hemsley, beloved for his iconic role as George Jefferson on *The Jeffersons*, passed away on July 24, 2012, at the age of 74 in El Paso, Texas, due to lung cancer. Fans expected his funeral to be a heartfelt reunion for the cast of the groundbreaking sitcom, which aired from 1975 to 1985.
Instead, the event was marked by a shocking absence of his co-stars, a legal battle over his remains, and lingering mysteries about his private life. What should have been a celebration of his legacy became a somber and controversial affair.
Hemsley’s body remained in a morgue for over four months due to a legal dispute over his will. Written just six weeks before his death, the will left his modest $50,000 estate to Flora Enchinton Bernal, described as his “beloved partner.” A man claiming to be his half-brother, Richard Thornton, contested the will, arguing it was invalid due to Hemsley’s ill health and demanding burial in Philadelphia.
The court ordered DNA tests, delaying the funeral until November 21, 2012, when a judge upheld the will, allowing burial with military honors at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Only about 150 locals attended, with almost none of Hemsley’s *Jeffersons* cast present.
The absence of co-stars like Marla Gibbs, who played the sharp-tongued maid Florence Johnston, sparked rumors of feuds. However, practical reasons likely contributed. Gibbs, over 80 at the time, faced challenges traveling to El Paso on short notice after the prolonged legal delay.
Many fans were unaware that half the main cast had already passed away by 2012: Isabel Sanford (Louise “Weezy” Jefferson) in 2004, Roxie Roker (Helen Willis) in 1995, Franklin Cover (Tom Willis) in 2006, and Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson) in 2006. Their absence wasn’t a boycott but a tragic reminder of time’s toll on the iconic sitcom family.
Hemsley’s private life added another layer of intrigue. A reclusive man, he avoided Hollywood’s spotlight, never confirmed relationships, and lived quietly with Flora and, reportedly, a companion named Kenny Johnston.
Rumors of his s3xuality circulated, fueled by comments from co-star Damon Evans, but Hemsley remained silent, guarding his personal story even in death. This secrecy, combined with the will’s language and legal drama, led some industry figures to distance themselves from the funeral to avoid controversy.
Despite the lonely farewell, Hemsley’s legacy as George Jefferson endures. His character broke barriers, portraying a confident Black businessman navigating racial tensions with wit and pride, paving the way for future Black representation on television.
Though his funeral lacked the grandeur befitting a star, Sherman Hemsley’s impact on American culture remains undeniable, forever etched in the laughter and social commentary of *The Jeffersons*.