Nationwide — The family of Euvy Rodney, an African American grandmother from New York City who died at age 93, is demanding answers after they said a funeral home cremated her body despite her wish to be buried in Guyana. Her loved ones say they lost the chance to properly say goodbye.
Rodney was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who wanted to be laid to rest beside her own grandmother in Guyana, her home country. Her family said her burial wishes were clearly stated on her death certificate.
However, Rodney’s family said J. Fosters Phillips Funeral Home in Jamaica, Queens, cremated her without their approval. They accused the funeral home of avoiding their questions before eventually handing over ashes they said they cannot verify are Rodney’s remains.
“We have lost our mom twice. We have lost her in death. We have lost her body. We have no closure to our mother,” Rodney’s daughter Christine Weaver said, according to WLBT.
The family later spoke out with their attorneys and civil rights leaders, accusing the funeral home of failing to respect Rodney’s final wishes. Rev. Kevin McCall said the family was robbed of the dignity and closure they deserved.
“For all that she has done on Earth, that’s how you treat her,” Weaver said.
The family’s attorneys said they are seeking accountability and may file a lawsuit against the funeral home. They also plan to hold a “symbolic funeral” to honor Rodney.
The family is still looking for answers about what happened and whether the ashes they received are truly those of their loved one.