Unity Funeral Parlors

Collins has over 35 years of experience in the funeral industry. Prior to purchasing Donahue Funeral Home, he worked for Lodi Funeral Home for 17 years.“It was just an opportunity for transition,” Collins said. “Pat and Mary were interested in semi-retiring and I was interested in ownership for myself and my family and so we were able to work it to where I was able to buy the funeral home in January.”Collins’ family has been involved with the funeral business his entire life. His grandfather owned Sacramento Casket Company for at least 70 years and his great uncle also had a funeral home in Sacramento.Now that he has taken ownership of Donahue Funeral Home, Collins plans to have some renovations done and is looking to modernize and expand the services provided. He also plans to add a 1,500-square-foot reception facility.Donahue Funeral Home is a full-service mortuary that provides traditional and cremation funeral services. The business also provides a chapel that seats up to 200 and several viewing parlors for evening services.“As much or as little as the family feels is appropriate or whatever they like to have, we can do anything that they like to have done,” Collins said.Collins said Donahue Funeral Home is available to serve anyone in the community regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or background.The funeral home has a staff of three people including Collins, Spencer Herendeen, an apprentice embalmer, and Charlene Warnerdam, an administrator. The Donahues occasionally assist with families they’ve served in the past.The funeral home is open seven days a week and are available 24 hours a day.Collins said serving the community and being able to help families through difficult times is what he enjoys most about running a funeral home. The business also has it challenges, Collins said, including keeping costs manageable for families and being available to assist them at all times.What is known as Donahue Funeral Home today was established in 1869 by Andrew Rutledge. Thomas L. Bawden purchased the business in 19...

Bernard, owner of R. Bernard Funeral Services, offers grieving loved ones the chance to pay their last respects conveniently from their car. Guests drive up and view the body through a bullet-proof window. The drive-thru visitation service is a mobile spin on the traditional wake."I got the idea a couple of years back when I was out in California. It caught my attention. I thought it was neat and thought I could bring it back to Memphis and this area," Bernard said. "Being in Memphis, we are surrounded by a lot of big-name funeral homes that have been around for 100 years, so being the new kid on the block, so to speak, I needed something unique to make me stand apart." In addition to novelty, Bernard said that the drive-thru viewings offer accessibility and convenience.  "It helps out those that lack (physical) mobility, those who don't feel like the hassle of parking cars and getting out or those who are scared to come into a funeral home,” said Bernard. “A lot of funeral homes creep people out.” The drive-thru visitation is not a new concept, but the business at 2764 Lamar Ave. is one of the first to offer the service in the Mid-South. A few funeral homes outside of the Memphis also offer the service. On the west coast, Robert L. Adams Mortuary in Compton, California, also advertises drive-thru viewings. ...