This is a bit long but please read to the end:
In 2012, I lost my youngest sister. Her homecoming and final resting place was entrusted to Grace Funeral Home in the care of Vincent Brown, Vanassa Cooper and their staff. They provided an exceptional, memorable service.
Fast forward to 2015. Due to my mother's decline in her health, I relocated her from her home in Miami, Fl to MD where I was to take care of her. My mom's only request was when she passed, I get her back to Miami and have Grace take care of her and get her to Vista Memorial Gardens where my sister was laid to rest.
As I saw my mom decline, all I could think about was how I was going to get her back to Miami in the event she passed away unexpectedly. Although I kept it in the back of my mind, it wasn't a priority as her health and quality of life was at the forefront.
Over the last three years, her health declined demanding round the clock care. At some point, I knew I had to keep my promise to my mom to get her back to Miami in the event of her passing. I reached out to Mr. Brown, he assured me that everything would be okay, he would take me through the process, "it'll be okay!" We started the process of getting the paperwork done. Unfortunately, within a matter of a few weeks, my mom rapidly declined.
On October 1, 2023, my mother passed away peacefully at home in NC. I immediately contacted Mr. Brown. From the moment I reached out to Mr Brown, he kept his word and made the process seem seamless. Since he took care of everything in the background, I was able to focus on getting to Miami and grieve without having to worry about her arrangements. At some point, I started working with Ms Cooper to provide her with what was needed for my mom, clothing, etc.....
She is one of the most kind, loving and personable people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She made me feel like she was part of the family and wanted nothing but the best for mom. She will forever be my sister-friend!
Upon my arrival to the funeral home for the service, I was greeted by Kevin and Bill. Kevin guided me to my mom to view her for approval prior to family and guest arriving. Not only did they capture mom's natural beauty but they laid her to rest so beautifully, she looked like she was sleeping not overly made up. She just looked like herself.
As the service was coming to an end, suddenly an angelic, amazing, beautiful sound came out of nowhere and my God, let me tell you, as I lifted my head up and saw that Bill was kind enough to bless us with a song, it felt like the heavy feeling in the room was lightened. I had to keep myself from begging him to keep singing. While I knew I'd done the right thing by getting mom home and entrusting Grace, at that very moment, it solidified that mom, me and my family were right where we were supposed to be.
As we left the funeral home to head to the cemetery, I had the pleasure of having a moment with Kevin. His words of comfort, warmth and genuine demeanor gave me the peace of mind not even my family could've given me.
I could go on and on about the exceptional service and experience they provided but I'd be at a loss for words. From the owner to whoever maintains the facility and its grounds, that had anything to do with getting my mom to her final resting place, I am eternally grateful and appreciate them handling her with dignity, respect, compassion and GRACE!
At no point did I feel like I was dealing with a business rather than a family that was there during my most difficult time of need.
I wish I could give them more stars but there would never be enough to truly capture the quality of the service they provide. I am grateful and humble to have worked with them! I know mom is looking from the heavens with my sister saying "well done!" read more