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Memphis mother struggles to obtain death certificate after daughter’s unexpected death

Struggles to secure daughter death certificate has one Memphis mother frustrated and looking for help.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After losing her only daughter suddenly in August, a Memphis mother has faced a painful journey to secure the death certificate she desperately needs. 

Without it, Debbie Washington is unable to access her daughter’s life insurance benefits - money she needs to cover funeral expenses and support herself.

Washington’s 39-year-old daughter, Latoya Cannon, died on Aug. 13, 2024. 

Cannon was rushed to the emergency room with what Washington later learned was a blood clot.

“As soon as I got there and found her room, they told me she had passed 20 minutes ago, I’ve been struggling since then,” Washington said.

Despite laying her daughter to rest at New Park Cemetery in Memphis, Washington says her grief has been amplified by delays in receiving the signed death certificate. Weeks have turned to months, and the essential document still hadn’t arrived.

“I’m getting the runaround," Washington said. "It’s putting more grief in my heart. I lost my only child.” 

Washington turned to Joe Ford Funeral Home for her daughter’s arrangements, but the certificate delay persisted. According to Tennessee state procedure, a death certificate must be filed with the office of vital records within five days of death.

In Cannon’s case, the funeral home forwarded the certificate to the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

However, the medical examiner later determined Cannon’s case did not fall under their jurisdiction, further delaying the process.

“Nobody’s trying to do anything, and I haven’t heard anything since. It’s frustrating.” Washington said.

Washington’s situation prompted ABC24 to investigate. Following this investigation, Washington received a call from the hospital, informing her that a doctor had finally signed the death certificate.

“You have to keep pushing to get things done,” she said. “I’m glad you stepped in; otherwise, nothing would have changed. Now I can move forward. I have my peace, and that’s all I want.” 

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