From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Settlement Talks for Funeral Home License Revocation
Illinois regulators seek to revoke Johanna Morgan's funeral director license after 56 bodies found decomposing at South Chicago Chapel.
In brief
Illinois regulators seek to revoke Johanna Morgan's funeral director license after 56 bodies found decomposing at South Chicago Chapel. Illinois state officials are pursuing license revocation for Johanna Morgan following discovery of 56 decomposing bodies at her South Chicago Chapel funeral home. Originally reported…
Settlement talks underway
Settlement negotiations are ongoing to permanently revoke Johanna Morgan's funeral director license after 56 bodies were found decomposing at South Chicago Chapel.
56 bodies discovered
State investigators found 56 bodies decomposing in 'deplorable conditions' including rodent infestation and maggot infestation at South Chicago Chapel.
South Chicago Chapel location
South Chicago Chapel is located at 2939 E. 95th St. in Chicago Heights, Illinois.
License suspension
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation suspended Johanna Morgan's license on August 5, 2026, after the discovery of decomposing bodies.
Previous violations
Johanna Morgan was fined $1,500 in 2017 for transporting a decedent across state lines without permits and $5,000 in 2024 for failing to file death records.
Clark Morgan's license
Clark Morgan had a state funeral director license that lapsed in 2019 and was revoked permanently in 2024 after using a forged license.
2025 crematory case
In June 2025, investigators found 44 bodies piled up at the Morgans' Chicago Heights crematory with hundreds of mishandled cremated remains.
2025 oversight gap
Illinois has a patchwork oversight system where the comptroller's office regulates crematories while the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licenses funeral directors.
2025 case resolution
The Morgans agreed to shut down their Chicago Heights crematory but admitted no wrongdoing in their 2025 agreement with the comptroller's office.
2025 inspection
State investigators visited South Chicago Chapel in October 2025 but found no serious concerns about handling or storing remains.
2026 license revocation
Illinois officials moved to revoke Johanna Morgan's license in October 2025 due to her husband using a forged license to transport bodies.
Current hearing
Attorneys for the state agency and Johanna Morgan discussed settlement terms before a formal hearing scheduled for later this fall.
Legal action
IDFPR Administrative Law Judge Donald Seasock rejected Johanna Morgan's motion to consolidate the two disciplinary cases against her.
Next steps
Johanna Morgan must respond to the complaint within two weeks as required by state rule, with potential license revocation pending.
The big picture
Illinois state officials are pursuing license revocation for Johanna Morgan following discovery of 56 decomposing bodies at her South Chicago Chapel funeral home.
