It's a genuine pleasure to write this review. We recently utilized Bryan-Lee Mortuary in Raleigh…read moreto facilitate the burial of my Mother. There was a viewing here in Houston, then travel via Air to North Carolina, and lastly auto transportation to Wake Forest to bury. Through Bryan-Lee of Raleigh everything went without any issues! The average person will most likely be distraught when trying to arrange for burial or cremation. Fortunately for us, Bryan-Lee Mortuary in Raleigh has an extremely helpful staff. They set up everything for us with minimal efforts on our part. So, we could do what we needed to do, grieve and support with family and friends. Justin, Maria, Ed and the whole Bryan-Lee crew were in a word: Exceptional. Not only did Justin let us know everything that was going on in the process; he also handled any issues that came our way. Every time I called, Maria answered the phone! It was nice NOT talking or pushing buttons through an auto-attendant... Although I sincerely hope I do not have to utilize their services in the near future, but if I do, I will be returning to Bryan-Lee Mortuary in Raleigh in the future.

While it feels a little weird to review a funeral home, I want to share my family's positive…read moreexperience with Bryan-Lee. I hope this will help others who don't know much about planning funeral arrangements (as my mom, brother, and I did not), and perhaps it will lighten their burden a bit. My dad passed away two weeks ago. We did not make arrangements in advance because while we knew his terminal cancer was going to end his life, we could not anticipate it happening three days after the doctors told us there was nothing more they could do. So we were in quite the bind at UNC Hospitals at 2 AM when we had a body and no idea what to do from there. We were interested in a place near downtown Raleigh, and Bryan-Lee was referred to us. Do not let its Wake Forest Rd. address throw you off. It's located just past where Wake Forest Rd. and Person St. downtown turn into each other (near the Krispy Kreme). In fact, Bryan-Lee is located in the Historic Mordecai district, in an historical home, which my dad would have really liked. Bryan-Lee handled everything with ease: They made the arrangements with the hospital to pick up my dad's body. They handled the cremation as well. They gave my mom a financial information packet about handling bank accounts and the steps to take after losing a spouse. They gave us all of the instructions for writing an obituary. They submitted our piece to the newspapers we requested. One of them was a paper in South Carolina, where I grew up. Andy from Bryan-Lee e-mailed me the day after Dad's obit ran to tell me that he had called that paper after he noticed the online article did not contain a picture of my dad. They assured him that the print version did run the photo, and he wanted to be sure to write that to me before I looked and got upset. Attention to detail, consideration, and customer service like that made Bryan-Lee a great business to work with. The space itself, where my family held a visitation, is lovely. It reminded me of a country club and living room at the same time. By that, I mean it is formal and classy while also comfortable. There were chairs and sofas around the room (which was very large). They have a way to play music if you bring some (though we chose to play it from my brother's computer). They provide ample tissues, mints, and water. They also direct guests arriving to the proper room, take their coats, provide empty boxes so we can take flower arrangements home, handle all of the paperwork required, and other things I'm sure I did not notice. Overall, my family was very pleased with Bryan-Lee Funeral Home. They are friendly professionals who really make you feel safe and welcome when you are otherwise feeling sad, confused, and in a vulnerable position. I recommend them to anyone in need of their services.

My mother passed away 5 years ago and my dear father passed in September. Brown Wynn provided the…read moremost amazing support, compassion, detail and encouragement for all the arrangements. Hall Edwards was our director for my fathers service and I could never articulate his dedication from the minute of death to the funeral service. My sisters and I were surprised at the affordability as well. We are so grateful for their attention and provisions for our family

I was well cared for at Brown-Wynne Funeral home! Mark Blake was kind, compassionate, responded…read morequickly and demonstrated a strong knowledge of how to proceed in making arrangements simple and stressless. He provides excellent customer services. I was fortunate a friend referred me to Brown-Wynne.

We approached RMF with no knowledge of process, were from out of town, and on a rushed timeline…read more Rhonda and team were amazing. Responsive, caring, understanding and exactly what we needed during our time of grief. I can't say enough positive things about RMF and Rhonda's support.

We don't talk about death enough. We don't celebrate it enough. We get scared when people mention…read morelife insurance, how we want to be buried etc... But death is a guaranteed expectation. We all have a death date. Let's be more open in talking about it. Funerals can be expensive if you don't do your homework and go off an emotional time in your life. I encourage everyone to be sure to do their homework before needing services of a Funeral Home. I highly suggest you setup an appointment and go to R.M. Ferguson. They can help you get things in order now and saving plans to help you before time. Of course I wanted the best for My Husband Some would say "It's just going under the ground" but nah, it's different when you are dealing with someone that gave me the world and his last dollar to everyone he came across. R.M. Ferguson took what I had and gave me what I wanted to make my Husband' Celebration Of Life an Extravaganza. There wasn't one thing I didn't ask for that they did not meet my needs. They absolutely made my Husband look like his healthy self after battling 3 years of pancreatic cancer. When I went for that 1st viewing of my Husband all I could do is weep of gratefulness because they made my Husband look so good and sleeping peacefully. Thank you @R.M. Ferguson and Rumeal Ferguson for your professionalism, support and guidance throughout this entire process. My Prayers Are For You, Your Family and Your Business Be Blessed Always One Of A Kind! #TeamPerry Mrs. Kisha Perry Wife Of The Late Benjamin F. Perry

If you have not visited the Historic Oakwood Cemetery, you are missing out! I absolutely love their…read morewalking tours. They are held on the first Friday of the month May through September. Tours start at 6:30 and a $10 donation per person is suggested. I have been on many of their tours and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I love hearing the rich history of the people and of Raleigh. The tour guides do an excellent job of keeping memories alive of those who have departed.

Fascinating grounds with lots of historic art and architecture. Lots of history here.read more

Dr. Lori Washington, and her staff were able to turn one of the most difficult days in my life into…read moresomething easier for me to deal with. The professionalism, compassion, and empathy were unmatched. The passing of a loved one is always difficult, when it is your spouse the pain can be indescribable. Dr. Lori, and her staff made it bearable, and for that, I can't think them enough. I highly recommend their services. The cremation, and all related services were handled professionally and expediently, a great value. Thank you.

After the recent passing of my father, I was tasked with taking care of the final arrangements for…read morehis remains. During a very difficult time, Lori guided me through the process with professionalism and compassion. After making sure I filled out all of the necessary documents required by the state, her staff quickly took care of transportation from the morgue, storage, cremation, and getting all of the certified death certificates needed. She even took special requests for locks of hair, separate urns, etc. I would not have been able to navigate all of this without Lori's capable hands guiding me through the process. She made a very difficult time so much easier. Thank you.

My family and I had a wonderful experience planning the homegoing service for my sister. CJ…read morewalked us through each step with grace a d patience. We asked a multitude of questions and sometimes the same question several times and he would gracefully answer as if ot was the first time. I found Carlton Gray Funeral Home employees to equally as professional and empathetic to our calls , emails and last minute requests. I would highly recommend their services and facility. The location has ample parking, beautiful spacious chapel and impressive building overall. The secretary Ms. Wanda was so kind and courteous, return calls promptly and directed us to appropriate personnel. I want to also recognize Taylor who created the amazing pictorial tribute through countless emails we were able to edit, review and update seamlessly. Carlton Gray Funeral Services guided us the entire journey from arrangements of bring sister from another state to thoughtfully laying her to rest. We thank you for your kindness, empathy, professionalism and grace. -TammieB.

Well, no one wants to have to review a funeral home. However, it is a part of life that cannot be…read moreavoided. When you've lost a loved one, you want the process to be as painless as possible. I observed the planning and execution of a loved one's home going recently, and I have to say Carlton Gray's services were impressive. I felt that from beginning to end, the staff made everything easy to understand and seamless. The were very professional and timely. Everything turned out as planned, and the compassion that the staff showed was much appreciated. Thank you to Carlton Gray for taking care of my family as if it were your own.

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences any of us will go through, but the love,…read morecompassion, and care we received during this time for my Mother's services, made all the difference. Stephanie Drake-London. and Eric Wray at Montlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, have truly been a blessing to our family. From the viewing to the interment, every detail was handled with professionalism and genuine kindness. Stephanie, especially, made us feel like family every step of the way and consistently went above and beyond to ensure arrangements were seamless, comforting, and thoughtful. Eric also did an excellent job in his role, and together they make a wonderful team--each carrying significant responsibility with dignity and grace. If you are planning a funeral for a loved one, or even preparing arrangements in advance (as my parents did, which spared us many difficult decisions later), I cannot recommend them enough. Everything my parents had pre-planned was honored exactly as arranged and the process was truly a blessing for our family. To Stephanie and Eric and the entire team, thank you for your compassion, your support, and the care you provided during such a difficult time. We are forever grateful. Shari, Lori, Diana Toney and Richard Goudie

I called about my mother's arrangements. She has Alzheimer's so doesn't remember what she had on…read moreplace. I spoke with Stephanie. She went above n beyond to make sure my siblings and I had all the information we needed. Stephanie was very sweet and showed she understood our needs. She showed great compassion. I could not have asked for a better experience.

I am deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by Craig Smith and the team at CF Smith…read moreMemorial Cares. During the loss of my father, Mr. Al Finch, Craig Smith and his team helped make an incredibly difficult time much easier to navigate. Their kindness, support, and professionalism were evident every step of the way, and it brought our family great comfort.

Craig Smith and his team did an absolutely amazing job when it came to their services for a…read moretraditional funeral. I'm so grateful to this company and look forward to sharing CF Smith information with others so that others can experience the compassion. Thanks again Craig. Clarissa Spencer Austin

I cannot express how grateful I am for City of Oaks Cremation during the most devastating time of…read moremy life. My 31-year-old son unexpectedly passed away, and from the very first phone call with Olivia, I felt a sense of comfort and care that I truly needed. Her gentle voice, compassion, and patience meant more to me than words can describe. She took the time to explain everything clearly and never made me feel rushed or overwhelmed. From beginning to end, she handled every detail with such kindness and professionalism, making an unbearable situation just a little bit easier to get through. The team did an absolutely beautiful job preparing my son for the family viewing--he looked peaceful, and that is something I will carry with me forever. I also had the honor of meeting the owner, Edward, who was incredibly kind and comforting. You can truly feel that this is not just a business, but people who genuinely care. I will never forget the compassion they showed my family. I highly recommend City of Oaks Cremation to anyone in need of their services.

City of Oaks was absolutely awful to me when I called to inquire about my mother's "obituary" that…read moreonly gave her name, age and city. I wanted to verify it was, indeed, my mother, as I am out of state. All I asked on the phone was to verify her birthday and they cruelly refused saying I should "speak to the family". It was my MOTHER. I AM family! This was a most horrible conversation, they were unhelpful, cruel and could have verified for me without a problem. They spent more time being mean than it would take to just say "yes" or "no" about the birthday. Shame on them and their bargain basement "services". EDIT AFTER REPLY: I offered to email you my Birth Certificate with her name and DOB on it, and even that wasn't enough for you. I AM "Next of Kin" and should have been treated accordingly, regardless of what other family members demanded. Yours is not to determine which family members should be treated with respect and those who should not. A daughter is a daughter and should be given the most MINIMAL care and concern when tracking down something like her mother's death. Did you get proof of relationship from anyone else? I doubt it.