Texas Woman Files Class-Action Lawsuit Over Mishandled Bodies at South Deering Funeral Home

Family Seeks Justice Amid Disturbing Allegations

A woman from Texas has initiated a potential class-action lawsuit on Tuesday against South Chicago Chapel, a funeral home embroiled in controversy for allegedly mishandling the remains of her father and other deceased individuals over the past weeks. The suit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court by Dyanna Burt-Finnie, whose father, Terrance Fallie, died on August 4. The funeral home allegedly took possession of his body on the same day.

According to the lawsuit, claims of “operational concerns” at the facility first came to light after the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation received reports four days after Fallie's death. It was on August 5 that Johanna Morgan, one half of the couple that operates the funeral home, had her state funeral director license suspended due to allegations of keeping decedents in “unrefrigerated areas with deplorable conditions.”

Bodies Discovered in Dire Conditions

The situation escalated further on August 6 when Burt-Finnie and her representatives attempted to retrieve her father's remains, arriving at the chapel located at 2939 E. 95th St. just as city, county, and state authorities were in the midst of removing 56 bodies from the premises. Authorities confirmed that these bodies had been found neglected, adding to the growing concerns surrounding the facility.

Neighbors around the funeral home reportedly had been complaining of a strong odor resembling that of a dead animal for approximately two months prior to the disturbing revelations.

A Troubling History of Mismanagement

This incident marks a grim return to the spotlight for the Morgans, who were previously shut down after the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation investigated a separate case involving a crematory in Chicago Heights, where they faced more than 20 lawsuits for alleged mishandling of remains. Clark Morgan had his funeral director license revoked in 2024 due to findings of “unprofessional conduct” and operating with an expired license.

While criminal charges have yet to be filed against the Morgans regarding these latest allegations, investigations are ongoing. Illinois State Police continue to look into the previous Chicago Heights incident while Chicago police are handling the current case. The Cook County medical examiner's office is also tasked with identifying all neglected deceased individuals, including another 56 cremated remains found at the site.

Legal Proceedings and Implications

The lawsuit filed by Burt-Finnie claims that South Chicago Chapel failed to attach proper identification to the remains in its custody, including her father’s. The six-count complaint alleges several grievances against the funeral home, including interference with families' rights to possess their loved ones' remains, emotional distress, violations of state law concerning the disposition of remains, fraud, and business misrepresentation.

An initial court hearing to address these issues has been set for October 13, as the families of those affected seek accountability and resolution amidst the harrowing circumstances.