By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
CONWAY, SC — An Horry County woman has filed a civil lawsuit against a local funeral provider after discovering an unknown person dressed in her deceased mother’s clothing lying inside the casket prior to a private family viewing.
The lawsuit, filed October 6 in Horry County court by Iris Gordon against Ocean View Funeral Home and Cremation Services, alleges breach of contract, severe emotional distress, and gross negligence.
According to court filings, Gordon paid $13,820.55 for complete funeral arrangements following the January 14 death of her 87-year-old mother, Iris Walker-Evans. As part of the preparation, Gordon provided staff with custom black-and-gold African attire, a matching scarf, hat, wig, and undergarments for the open-casket service.
When Gordon and her family arrived at the Ocean View Funeral Home Conway Chapel on Grainger Road for the scheduled 3:00 p.m. viewing on January 30, they found a stranger inside the casket wearing the provided clothing.
After family members alerted staff, co-owner Atu Williams acknowledged the mistake during a phone conversation. The viewing was delayed until 5:00 p.m. that afternoon, at which point Walker-Evans was presented correctly. Funeral services took place the following day.
The complaint states the incident caused Gordon lasting mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, and long-term sleep disruption while compromising the dignity of the service. The suit seeks a full refund of the $13,820.55 service cost, along with additional monetary damages.
Ocean View Funeral Home has not yet filed a formal response in court.
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