Funeral home property ownership questioned

In a surprise to nearly everyone in attendance, a woman told the Crowley City Council Tuesday night that the property recently purchased for a new funeral home in West Crowley is still legally hers.
This even though it was listed as being owned by Delta Financial when it was sold to Charles Evins of Evins, Larry and Perry Funeral Home who had recently opened a funeral home on the property.
Charmaine Henry, approached the council and claimed that she was a victim of embezzlement when a woman she trusted to care for the property took it out of her name. According to Henry, the property was repossessed by Delta Financial after the woman, whom she claimed had embezzled “millions” from her and others, stopped payment on it.
Henry said she has filed suit against the woman.
It was recommended to her that she also contact Delta Financial and look into the dealings that they had against the woman.
“Miss Williams, you have a civil suit against someone other than this man (Evins) or the people on this council,” said Mayor Greg Jones.
Evins, who was obviously surprised by the woman’s claims, produced the title he obtained through Delta Financial.
Henry stated that she was only made aware of this situation on Tuesday and had to rush to appear before the council.
Alderman Vernon “Step” Martin, who at last month’s meeting had a somewhat heated exchange with Evins regarding the proper procedure on opening a business in his district, told the woman that “she needed to file a cease and desist injunction.
“It doesn’t matter to me who opens the funeral home,” said Martin. “I just want to protect the judicial responsibility of my constituents.”
What is apparent is that it is going to take a significant amount of research to determine who rightfully owns the property.
There will be much more on Tuesday’s meeting of the Crowley City Council in the Thursday edition, including the issuance of beer/liquor permits and the placement of a four-way stop sign near West Seventh and Jacobs. streets.