Queens Family Says 93-Year-Old Was Mistakenly Cremated Despite Her Wish To Be Buried In Guyana

The family of 93-year-old Euvy Rodney says a Queens funeral home mistakenly cremated her despite her explicit wish to be buried in her native Guyana. The family and their attorneys are calling for a state investigation and want J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home closed, saying the error robbed them of closure.

Rodney died on July 8 and was taken to J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home in Queens, according to local outlets including ABC7, CBS News and PIX11. The family says they later learned she had been cremated even though Rodney had expressed a clear preference for burial in Guyana and that preference was recorded on her death certificate.

Family Response and Calls For Action

The family held a press conference outside the funeral home on July 27, demanding answers and immediate state oversight. Attorneys representing the family described the incident as a tragedy that will haunt the relatives for years.

J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home in Queens, N.Y.Credit: Google Maps

Christine Weever: "We have lost our mom twice. We have lost her in death. We have lost her body. We have no closure for our mother."

Ramona Rodney Park: "I visited the funeral home and asked to see my mom. I was told that she was not dressed and I was not allowed to see her."

Rev. Kevin McCall, a civil rights leader who helped organize the press event, urged regulators to immediately investigate and revoke the funeral home’s license if warranted. Attorneys John Elefterakis and Wayne Wattley said the death certificate — which the funeral home reportedly had — clearly indicated Rodney's wish to be buried, leaving them to say there is "no excuse."

Funeral Home Statement

J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home issued a statement expressing sorrow for the family’s distress and saying it is "committed to supporting them with care, compassion, and respect during this incredibly difficult time." The funeral home also highlighted its long history in the community, noting it has been family-owned for generations and has served the area for 97 years. The business said it would not be providing further comment out of respect for those involved.

Next Steps

The family planned a celebration of life for Rodney on July 31 and said they intend to return her remains to Guyana to honor her wishes as fully as possible. They and their attorneys have asked the state to open a formal investigation into how the cremation occurred despite the documented burial request.

Note: This report is based on statements from the family, their attorneys, and local news coverage. Authorities and the funeral home have been asked for comment; the funeral home provided the brief statement above but declined further public comment at this time.