Judge: Will of "Jeffersons" actor Hemsley is valid

HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 7: Actor Sherman Hemsley attends the 2nd Annual TV Land Awards held on March 7, 2004 at The Hollywood Palladium, in Hollywood, California. / Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

EL PASO, Texas A Texas judge says the will actor Sherman Hemsley signed before he died is valid.

Judge Patricia B. Chew said Friday after testimony ended that there was no evidence Hemsley was under duress when he signed a will that gave longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal absolute power over his properties.

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Philadelphia resident Richard Thornton says he is Hemsley's brother and is contesting the will.

Hemsley played George Jefferson on the sitcom "The Jeffersons." He died of lung cancer July 24. Court documents indicate his estate is worth more than $50,000.

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Sherman Hemsley: 1938-2012

Chew's ruling came after several witnesses testified that Hemsley was cognizant when he signed the document. An attorney for Thornton questioned the attorney and notary who handled the will.

[Valhalla0907]

Anyone who would deny him a decent burial doesn't deserve two dimes to rub together! RIP Sherman Hemsley, the Jeffersons was an important piece of work.

[john92021]

so can he now be buried? RIP

[lifeduringwartime]

Let us hope he moved to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Loved that show, did not need bathroom humor to get laughs like today's shows.

[06171944]

Why do these people come out of the woodwork after someone dies. It is only for the money, where was he when Sherman was alive?