Modern Woodmen of America v. Tonja Harris et al.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA WESTERN DIVISION MODERN WOODMEN OF ) AMERICA, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) 7:26-cv-239-EGL ) TONJA HARRIS et al., ) ) Defendants. ) MEMORANDUM OPINION & ORDER In 1999, Timothy M. Harris bought a $150,000 life-insurance certificate from Modern Woodmen of America (“MWA”) and designated his wife, Robin Lemley, as its principal beneficiary. They divorced in 2003. He married Tonja Harris later that year, moved to Oklahoma, and died there in 2025 without ever changing that designation. Both women claimed the proceeds after his death. MWA…