A South Carolina funeral home is facing a lawsuit after a daughter claims she found a stranger in her mother’s casket during a scheduled viewing. The daughter, Iris Gordon, had contracted with Ocean View Funeral Home for her mother Iris Evans' funeral services, which included a wake and graveside service following her death in January.
According to the lawsuit filed in Horry County, Gordon provided specific instructions and clothing for her mother, including a black-and-gold African attire, scarf, hat, wig, and undergarments, intended to create a final image of her mother "reminiscent of her dressed in her Sunday best while singing in the church choir." Evans was an 87-year-old devout Christian and great-grandmother who enjoyed music and attending church.
On January 30, Gordon and over 20 family members arrived for the open-casket viewing. Court documents state that upon approaching the casket, they were shocked to find an unknown individual dressed in the attire Gordon had provided for her mother. The lawsuit claims this discovery caused Gordon severe humiliation, embarrassment, and emotional distress.
Gordon reportedly contacted Ocean View Funeral Home staff and one of the owners, Atu Williams, who allegedly admitted to the error. A new viewing was scheduled for two hours later. However, upon returning, the family found Evans’ body in the casket, but allegedly dressed in the same clothing previously worn by the stranger.
The identity of the stranger was not specified in the complaint. Gordon is seeking the return of the $13,820 she paid for the funeral services, along with additional unspecified damages, citing emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Ocean View Funeral Home has not immediately responded to requests for comment.