FAIR BLUFF, NC — A Columbus County family says they were stunned to discover that the wrong body had been placed in their loved one’s casket during a funeral service at S & L Funeral Home in Fair Bluff.
Relatives of Vivian Fairley, who died May 30, arrived for her scheduled service and immediately realized the woman in the casket was not their family member. The body was later identified as Steller Williams, who died May 31. Both women had been in the care of the same funeral home. Family members publicly disclosed the mix‑up after the service, calling the experience deeply distressing.
BC News has requested comment from S&L Funeral Home. As of Tuesday morning, no public statement has been issued, and no regulatory findings or disciplinary actions have been announced.
The Fairley and Williams families were both affected by the mix‑up. According to public statements, the bodies have since been exhumed and the error corrected by S & L Funeral Home.
Public reaction in Fair Bluff has largely centered on surprise, with many noting that S & L Funeral Home has operated in the community for years. Comments posted publicly indicate that some families are now watching to see whether the state will review the incident.
The North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, which oversees licensing and consumer complaints, has not released any information regarding a potential investigation.
BC News will continue to review public records and will update this report as additional verified information becomes available.
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