The bodies of Effie Leazer Stiller, 91, and Marie Elma Leazer Miller, 84, sisters who both died Wednesday, were inside Lyerly Funeral Home when the fire began this afternoon.
Sondra Stiller, Effie’s daughter-in-law, said the women were “dressed and ready” for a viewing at 2 p.m. today.
“We’re just devastated that they couldn’t get the bodies out,” she said. “We thought it was odd that they died on the same day 20 hours apart, now this has happened.”
The lids on the caskets were closed, Stiller said.
“We’re hoping that there is something that is salvageable,” she said.
Stiller said flowers from Harrison’s Florist had already been delivered to the funeral home. The funerals were set for Saturday.
“At this point, we’re just waiting,” she said.