FUNERAL HOME

San Jose Funeral Home - Eastside

10950 Pellicano Drive

El Paso, Texas

SHERMAN HEMSLEY Obituary

Sherman Hemsley, the American pop-culture icon whose comedic television persona "George Jefferson" captured the hearts of audiences across the world, will be laid to rest Wednesday afternoon. Though most well known for his role as the sharp-tongued East Side millionaire in The Jeffersons in life, Hemsley was quite the opposite. The always down-to-earth actor was at most times quiet and reserved, even shy. Deeply spiritual, Hemsley never allowed for fame to distract from what he believed to be life's gift-true friendship and love. Sherman Hemsley was born in Philadelphia to a single mother in 1938. A "love child", Hemsley never knew his father and was given his mother's last name. Hemsley worked from the time he was young, scrubbing porches, carry groceries and as a dishwasher for a bakery in South Philadelphia. Hemsley left high school to join the U. S. Air Force. He served four years in Korea and Japan. Hemsley got a day job with the U. S. Postal Service when his military career ended, but in his free time he pursued his true passion, acting. He transferred to New York where he continued to work for the postal service and acted at night. In early 1970s Hemsley got his first break on stage, starring as Gitlow in the Broadway play Purlie. Television producer Norman Lear saw on of Hemsley's performances in Purlie and convinced him to leave the stage for a recurring role in Lear's sitcom All in the Family. After Hemsley's well-received response from audiences, Lear developed The Jeffersons, co-starring Hemsley's on-screen wife Isabela Sanford in 1975. The sitcom ran for more than a decade, garnering Hemsley Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The Jeffersons is considered ground breaking by entertainment historians and academics for the fact that it was the time in American television where a black man was portrayed as wealthy and successful. The relationship between characters George and Louise Jefferson is still regarded as one of the most-loved television marriages. The couple was ranked as one of television's most dynamic duos this year by ABC and Paley Center. The Jeffersons is still the longest-running television sitcom with a predominately black cast. After the sitcom ended, Hemsley continued to appear in various movie roles, and was later cast in the television series Amen, where portrayed Deacon Ernest Frye. In later years, Hemsley continued to act on stage, in advertising campaigns and in movies. Hemsley left Hollywood for El Paso, Texas in the later years of his life, where he enjoyed the privacy and slower-paced lifestyle, and beloved companions. Sherman Hemsley died on July 24, at his home, due to complications from lung cancer. Though he never married or had children, Hemsley's legacy is carried by his family and managers Flora Enchinton and Kenneth Johnston. Hemsley leave behind beloved friends and millions of adored fans. By Matt Dougherty. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 21, 2012 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at San Jose Funeral Home 10950 Pellicano Dr. Funeral services for Mr. Hemsley will be Wednesday at 12:00 noon at Cielo Vista Church 3585 Lee Trevino Dr. with Chaplin Sam Ferone delivering the eulogy and Pastor Rod Smith Officiating. Interment will take place at Fort Bliss National Cemetery Wednesday at 2:30 pm East Pavillion with military honors. Services Directed by San Jose Funeral Home 10950 Pellicano Dr. (915) 590-8700.

Published by El Paso Times from Nov. 18 to Nov. 25, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for SHERMAN HEMSLEY

Not sure what to say?





I really loved him in Archie Bunker and The Jeffersons
[email protected]

Bennye Ann Mason

February 3, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

JOSHUA LAWRENCE

Friend

February 16, 2023

Sherman, you were one of a kind. You were an amazing actor with great talent. You will always a hold a very special place in the hearts of many. Rest with the angels.

Carlo Clark

Other

June 17, 2022

There will NEVER be another George Jefferson...you are so beloved Mr. Hemsley and profoundly missed by your millions and I mean millions of fans because you have been watch by millions of families/people.
Thank you for your ability to make us laugh...

Erica Heron

Other

July 8, 2021

S.PECTACULAR
H.ONORABLE
E.XCEPTIONAL
R.ESPECTED
M.AGNIFICANT
A.DMIRED
N.OBLE

A.UTHENTIC
L.EGENDARY
E.NTERTAINING
X.ENIAL
A.DORED
N.OETIC
D.EVOTED
E.FFORTLESS
R.EMEMBERED

H.EARTWARMING
E.XHILARATING
M.ARVELOUS
S.PECIAL
L.OVING
E.NLIGHTENING
Y.OU WERE ONE OF A KIND, HEART, BODY, SOUL, AND MIND, AND YOU HAVE LEFT A PHENOMENAL LEGACY BEHIND.

Lisa Murrey Ransom

January 18, 2019

My condolence to the family and friends of the deceased. I will always love you. May you rest in peace!!!

Eloise Peterson

October 15, 2018

Sherman was a great actor and enjoyed his show. Just great memories of his life for his family's and friends to help ease the pain. Rest assured knowing the true God will, is to end death forever from 1 Corinthians 15:26. My condolences!

September 14, 2018

Mr hemsley has been greatly missed.I still watch the Jefferson's.a great ensemble. Tv show.that kept this girl laughing.and my father loved this show.watching rerun after rerun.I would have loved to have met him. RIP friend

Drusilla Sears

July 27, 2018

RIP

July 22, 2018

Great actor! RIP

Angelina Dickens

March 3, 2018

Hey Mr Jefferson
Taking you with me through all these years. Sherman you touched my heart over on Myspace by adding me to your account an placing my crazy self on top friends. I grew up roaring at the " Jeffersons" an later so would my kids.

People don't realize the impact they make upon ones lives an mine has been hard. The first time you posted to my account " Hey pretty lady you need ya dry cleaning done?" I fainted lol.

I want to tell you as i do in my dreams. I finally got my piece of the pie. All that writing i was doing that captured you an Mr Ed Harris , Prince..well I'm moving on up an out the city to a deluxe apartment in the sky an it's all thanks to people like you.

Rest in Heaven an if i have to phone you from Hell you owe me my dry cleaning!

I love you.

Daniellea Genovese

January 1, 2018

To the the hemsley family: I would like to offer my
sincere condolences on the passing of sherman. He was an incredible actor and wiill be greatly missed . I liked his character in the jeffersons, Amen and especially All in the Family costarring with Carroll Oconnor and Jean Stapleton. More Importantly, he went home to be with our lord
Jesus Christ.


Sincerely,



Mrs Tijuana Jones

Tijuana Jones

October 30, 2017

RIP Sherman"George"Hemsley

Pamela Jackson

October 22, 2017

R.I.p

jason mckoy

August 10, 2017

Watched you allthe time on the jeffersons very funny rip

July 30, 2017

Mr Sherman Hemsley was so funny on his shows The Jeffersons and Amen and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.

A Lee

December 5, 2016

RIP. George , thanks for the years of entertainment.you will be missed.
Hamid Rastakhiz (Conyers, Georgia)

October 20, 2016

rip george and thank you for the years of entertainment.

ruben mendez

August 19, 2016

I truly love the Jefferson it was one of my favour TV show to watch i still look at the rerun every chance i get he is miss greatly

Gloria Rhodes

August 8, 2016

He was a good man and actor,nice since of humor,well loved by all.he will be well missed.
We love you, rest in peace
We all love you,and to the family sorry for your loss y'all will be in our prayers, god bless you all

Mr and Mrs Bryant Pullen

August 6, 2016

RIP you will be greatly missed

Jackie Lanier

August 1, 2016

I watched the Jeffersons as a child I remember laughing. I just recently began watching the reruns again, and truly hilarious. Ahead of his time!

D Snow

July 19, 2016

Watching him on one love TV show

Tezzy Weezy

July 5, 2016

One made millions laugh on "ALL IN THE FAMILY" and "THE JEFFERSONS" and I believe to this day that those two #1 shows had success because of you. One is a beacon of light that will always shine in all of our hearts....THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Valenda Newell

June 29, 2016

I still watch your show Mon thru Fri and love every episode. You were and always will be the best comedian ever. I suffer from chronic back pain and depression but you always make me laugh! :-) Love ya and thank you

Cecile Johnson

May 21, 2016

Loved watching you when I was a child. Brilliant actor. Never forgotten, Rest in Peace sir.

Allison Dupont

March 7, 2016

Hi,I'm only ten but all in the family still comes on .you were extremely funny.hope to see u wen I pass .RIP.

Mieysha Schaffer

March 4, 2016

You are missed everyday.

Angela Mitchell

January 26, 2016

He was a great actor and will be missed.

Roland Hayes

August 7, 2015

R.I.P. Sherman, I so enjoyed all the many many laughs you gave us. My thought and prayers to your family and friends. You will be so missed. G. Cannon a long time Fan

July 30, 2015

The program, All In The Family, thoroughly cracked me up whenever George Jefferson sparred with Archie Bunker. Once a week, for thirty minutes, I had not a care in the world. Thank you for the best present ever, the gift of laughter. Rest in peace Mr. Sherman Helmsley. - Harriet Ellen Williams (Charlotte, NC)

July 30, 2015

Rest Sherman, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Harry Simpson

July 25, 2015

i am always watching all reruns of AMEN,JEFFERSONS AND WHEN YOU FEATURED IN ALL IN THE FAMILY WITH CARROLL O'CONNOR

DAVID HARRIS

June 10, 2015

I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND ARCHIE. HELPED ME LAUGH.

STEVE TWISELTON

June 9, 2015

This was a tremendously inspiring and dedicated person who is no doubt a loss to us all. In fact we can be thankful that we have been enriched and in an equal degree protected by the many astounding and important national and even global defense measures over the years that this person has participated. May the family have peace we cherish the special memories. God's word says He will render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore. May we all rejoice in this good news of everlasting peace. (Isaiah 2: 4) Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.

May 21, 2015

Alice Guckian Queen

April 8, 2015

Sweet mr. GJefferson Rip!

christine Roberson

April 5, 2015

On screen you became part of our family. You were Brilliant! Rest in Peace Sherman. a.k.a. George Jefferson.

Trent Scott

March 6, 2015

Gone, (sadly), but Never Forgotten. Trent Scott Dallas,Tx

Trent Scott

March 6, 2015

i miss you rest in peace

charles tarpley

February 5, 2015

Sherman Hemsley, you alway make me laught and mile. RIP

steve vang

December 25, 2014

I miss you so much. You were so funny. RIP, from one of your fans.

Roger Strout

December 3, 2014

Amen he rested from his antics

Michael Joe Robinson

November 22, 2014

Alice Guckian Queen

October 5, 2014

IM HURTING BECAUSE SHERMAN WAS SOMEONE THAT I LOOKED UP TO DURING THE TIMES OF THE JEFFERSON AND AMEN WITH HIS CANT COOK DAUGHTER THELMA..HE MADE MILLIONS OF US LAUGH UNTIL WE CANT LAUGH NO MORE..MR.HEMSLEY YOU WILL BE WELL MISSED BY BIILIONS THATS JUST NOW FINDING OUT ABOUT YOUR TALENT FOR THE FANS THAT YOU HAVE CREATED.IM GONNA TRY TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL THAT YOU ONCE ATTENDED THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS.YOUR LOVR CONTINUES ON.

DAVID HARRIS

September 25, 2014

Sherman I remember walking with you in Sherman Oaks, Ca, on Van Nuys Blvd. across from Al and Eds stereo shop.
Ron Milco I'll remember you always.

ron milco

September 24, 2014

GOD BLESS YOU GEORGE

Franklin Jones

September 3, 2014

GOD BLESS SHERMAN HEMSLEY. BESIDES THE JEFFERSONS & AMEN, ENJOYED HIS MOVIE FROM 1987 CALLED GHOST FEVER!

JOYCELYN LYNUM

August 18, 2014

May you RIP....

darnetta lewis

August 14, 2014

RIP Sherman Hemsley

Shirley Hartfield

March 26, 2014

Sorry to hear of the death of one of America's great comedy actor. I still enjoy watching "The Jeffersons" episodes.

May the family be comforted during time of grief.
Psalm 46:1

Deborah

February 4, 2014

R.I.P.

Estella Savannah

February 3, 2014

i grew up watching you on tv and even though i wood laugh my head off there was a serious side to your show. you gave alot of people Hope that one day we wood all love each other like brothers and sisters regardless of race. Prayers to your family, Michael

January 5, 2014

To Sherman Hemsley,
You were a very good actor. You did an excellent job playing the character George Jefferson on the sitcom The Jeffersons and All in the family. You made me laugh. I will alway remember you Mr. Hemsley. Lisa Weiner

Lisa Weiner

November 30, 2013

rodney claybrooks

November 13, 2013

Rip Mr. Hemsley you used to make me laugh when i watched the Jeffersons.

November 3, 2013

you were such a joy to watch on television , you will be missed.

DELORIS JONES

October 17, 2013

Truly missed r.i.p

Sandra

September 17, 2013

sherman, growning up as a child watching you on tv. was a pleasure. i would laugh all the time.you made very proud of you. very sorry two hear of your passing. but god knows best.my prayers are with you and the family.

cheryl smith

September 11, 2013

Well Mr. Hemsley you have finally "moved on up". Thank you for the laughs and you are one of the best in the field, rest in peace and know you made the day of a lot of people with your humor.

Kenny Flemming

April 25, 2013

Rest In Peace, Mr. Hemsley. See You On The Other Side, When I'll Be "Movin' On Up"

Richard Owen

March 3, 2013

Mary H.Hyman

Mary Hyman

February 21, 2013

Dear Sherman/George: You were a very important part of my life. You made us believe that we could indeed move on up. Thank you for that! Well, you have moved on up. I am sure you are up there giving Weezy, Helen, Tom and MAYBE even Archie a hard time and keeping them in line! God Bless you George or Deacon Frye.

Wall Street

February 21, 2013

Great people are needed in heaven as they were loved in life. Rest in Peice my friend, you will truely be missed.

Jason Pishko

February 21, 2013

I have a lot to say about the character I loved him in all in the family and the Jeffersons he will be missed.

Nicole Gibson

February 16, 2013

You will be truly missed, I've enjoyed watching you over the years, you were able to say what alot of us wanted to say but could'nt, I had a lot of laughs, you were a one of a kind, there will never be another Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson). Rest in peace.

Linda Howard

February 11, 2013

Rest in peace you are truly in a better place

lonya Anderson

February 9, 2013

To Flora and Family:

I've always wanted to play a tune along with Sherman Hemsley at my church (Saint-James Myrtle UMC). I never got the chance to do so, but I was honored to play piano and show my respect at his home going services at the Cielo Vista Church. Sherman was one of my favorite actors/comedian. I miss him, his smile and that cool walk and I watch his shows every chance I get. God bless you and your family.

DR. ROBERT HEMPHILL

December 17, 2012

I miss the humor you displayed for all the world to see. Bill Amos (Brownsville, Pa.)

William Amos

December 2, 2012

Im so sorry

Melinda Campbell

December 2, 2012

Your sense of humor brought joy to my life. You will truly be missed.
RIP Mr. Hemsley

Sabrina Robinson

December 1, 2012

TO THE HEMSLEY FAMILY:

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH EACH ONE OF YOU. SHERMAN HEMSLEY INSPIRED THE WORLD AND HE GAVE US HOPE FOR A BETTER LIFE. HE SERVED OUR COUNTRY HONORABLY. SHERMAN WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTORS. THNAKS FOR THE MEMORIES. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

ROBERT HEMPHILL

November 26, 2012

RIP MR. HEMASLEY. PEACE AT LAST.

PAREDES FAMILY

November 25, 2012

Rip you gave us all hope to move on up

Cleo Mitchell

November 25, 2012

Thank you Mr Helmsley, You had the right idea uf comedy. You helped change many peoples lives by making them see how not to be so serious all of the time. Thank you and God bless you.

E. Gonzalez

November 25, 2012

Thanks to Mr. Hemsley for many years of joy and hope which portrayed through his acting. Sunday nights of the Jeffersons were weekly watched religiously in my home. It was like having a piece of the American Pie with whip cream, if only for a half an hour weekly. Also, the Jeffersons was one show that our entire family would agree to watch. Those days are long gone now. I hope that his friends will take to heart that they were allowed him to be what he really wasn't on TV. R.I.P. Mr. S.Hemsley.

Melvin Freeman

November 23, 2012

You can finally rest in peace. God bless!
Mariann
Toronto, Ontario Canada

November 23, 2012

As a native El Pasoan, and as I am sure most El Pasoan's feel the same, I was honored to have read that you considered El Paso, Texas - "home." I hope that you are resting well in eternity in the caring arms of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus now, sir. - Roberto -

Roberto Corral

November 23, 2012

Your humor and diversity made it fun growing up. thanks for moving on up.
Roberto Narvaez, USCG (Aliso Viejo, Ca)
Hometown El Paso

Roberto Narvaez

November 22, 2012

Mr. Hemsley

Thanks for the laughter!! I loved you in Purlie Victorious!! Thanks for your service to our country...Rest in Peace.

Cassandra Holt

November 22, 2012

Sherman Hemsley will truly be missed. He is one of the best actors of our time.

Kim W.

November 22, 2012

One of the best actors of all time in my view.

Barry St. Clair

November 22, 2012

George, you were so fly. You always bounce back. Your atrenth and spirit transened to many people. Your accompishments as a Black man was tops. Rest well in the masters heavens

Burnell F Von Hendricks Sr

November 22, 2012

Thanks for the memories. Walk the Wind in Peace.

Christian Chapman

November 22, 2012

i could not wait every day to see ta show.thanks Sherman/Now u makin GOD happy.

fernando escobedo

November 22, 2012

You made the world a better and more happier place, through your poems ,love and comedies.you are definitely missed.

Mauream Simmons

November 22, 2012

He was a wonderful person and actor. He will be missed and as he sang Moving on up as he has with the angels

Nancy Richardson

November 22, 2012

Thanks for the memories and all the laughter rest in peace

Phil and AQ Miller

November 22, 2012

Your entertainment personality will be missed. A class act! - D. Gamboa (Phoenix, AZ)

Dan Gamboa

November 22, 2012

Thanks for all the laughs! Rest in peace!
Sheila Johnson, Vallejo, California

November 21, 2012

Rest in Peace,you made the world a brighter place by making us laugh with your gift of humor

Rick Branham

November 21, 2012

Now he up in the big leaves, get his turnips up! Movin on UP!

Estra White

November 21, 2012

Thanks for having made El Paso your home! Our community feels emptier without you in it. May you now RIP.

The Rodriguez Family

Rosie Rodriguez

November 21, 2012

Thanks for making us laugh throughout the years. I wish I could've met you, seemed like a very down to earth individual.

Jean-Claude Drouin

November 21, 2012

Mr. hemsley u will b truly missed. You were a very gifted man who brought laughter to our hearts. Rest in peace .

Justin Tellez

November 21, 2012

Thanks for all that you gave to the world. You made us smile through a lot of tough times along with the good.

Johnnie Whitfield

November 21, 2012

Thank you for making us laugh. You will truly be missed, as there are very few great comedic actors like you. R.I.P.

E. Cardona

November 21, 2012

From one A.F. vet to another, R.I.P. my friend.

November 21, 2012

Rest in peace.

Jerry Robertson

November 21, 2012

Mr. Hemsley.(Mr.Jefferson) May you Rest In Peace.
May make the Angels laugh. It was a pleasure seeing. you on T.V. as I grew up. But nothing beats talking to you here in El Paso at local store. That will be the most wonderful moment for me and my family.
God Bless you and your family. The Ortega Family. :-(

Ortega Family

November 21, 2012

Showing 1 - 100 of 1,798 results

Make a Donation
in SHERMAN HEMSLEY's name

Memorial Events
for SHERMAN HEMSLEY

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

San Jose Funeral Home - Eastside

10950 Pellicano Drive, El Paso, TX 79935

How to support SHERMAN's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor SHERMAN HEMSLEY's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more