PMFH Pursuit of Excellence Submission 2021

Category 1: Basic Requirements

Paradise Memorial Funeral Home was established on May 12, 2001, under the leadership of our founders, Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, LFD, John O. Bell, LFD, William R. Stark, and Ava N. Carter. Our founders dedicated their lives and collectively brought over 50 years of experience to the Greater Milwaukee community. They provided service, dignity, respect, and compassion to hundreds of bereaved families over the last twenty years.

Paradise Memorial Funeral Home has helped many individuals by supporting causes that align with our founding members. We’ve formed community partnerships with churches of all denominations and faiths, fraternities and sororities, Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

As historical pillars in the community, the founders wanted to lay the groundwork for Paradise Memorial Funeral Home to remain family owned and operated. So, in 2016 they sought out Marcel A. Clarke and Camelia L. Clarke to transition the business into the second generation of operations.

ThankYou After the transition, Marcel and Camelia immediately expanded services that aligned with their new legacy initiative of “How will you be remembered?” The new initiative was started to inspire families to think about their legacies and what matters in life—relationships, giving back and making a difference. These legacies form the essence of a life celebration experience. As a result of this new legacy initiative, we changed our name to Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services because we now offer personalized cremation services.

On behalf of the staff and members of Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services, I would like to take a moment and thank you for considering Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services for the 2021 Pursuit of Excellence Award. We hope that this snapshot of our buiness operations, community involvement and innovativeness is enjoyable to view and gives you an optimal look at Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services.

Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, LFD President

Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, LFD President

Marcel A. Clarke, MBA Vice President

Camelia brings over 20 years of service in the funeral industry as a licensed funeral director. She is also a licensed insurance intermediary for the state of Wisconsin. She is an active member of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and Selected Independent Funeral Homes. She is the Past President of the Milwaukee Waukesha County Funeral Directors (MWCFDA) the Immediate Past President of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association (WFDA).

Marcel graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science with a Degree in Applied Science. Marcel also received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Degree from Southern University A&M and a Business Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies from Herzing University.

Marcel completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from Cardinal Stritch University.

Camelia L. Clarke graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Cardinal Stritch University (BSBA), Marquette University (EMBA), and the University-Wisconsin Whitewater with a Doctorate of Business Administration.

She has served on other boards including the MATC Funeral Service Advisory Board, Prince Hall Masonic Foundation, Zonta International Club of Milwaukee, Outreach Community Health Care Center, and the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce.

She is an active member of Unity Grand Chapter O.E.S., Sarah’s Joy Chapter #8 O.E.S., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter in Milwaukee.

Camelia has been an active church member of the Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ for many years. She is the wife of Marcel and is the mother of four wonderful children Raja’ee, Jazzmin, Mariah, and Mia Clarke.

Marcel is extremely active in the Milwaukee Community and has served on numerous boards of directors and community organizations including Beckum/Stapleton Little League Board of Directors, and the Clarence Parrish Foundation.

Marcel is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he serves as the 10th District Achievement Week Chairman as well as several other committees.

Marcel is also a proud member of the Prince Hall Masonic Family where he is a member of True Square Lodge #11, Ionic Consistory # 70, Zembo Temple # 70, Shiloh Chapter # 2 and Sarah’s Joy Chapter # 8.

Marcel is an active church member of the Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ. He is the proud husband of Camelia and the father of Raja’ee, Jazzmin, Mariah, and Mia Clarke.

Anderson Randolph, AS LAFD

Theodore Henderson Preneed Director

Taahiraa S. Thomas, MAFM Preneed Coordinator

Whitley Cotton, BS LAFD

Pastor Benjamin Robinson, BS Certified Crematory Operator

Rev. E.B. Coleman Chaplain

Mike Martin, BS Funeral Assistant

The Staff at Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services has collectively over 50 Years of Experience

At Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services we understand and realize that there are multiple ways to communicate with familes.

One particular way that most people communicate is through text message. As a result, we utilyze Domnicare to assist us in text messaging communications with every family we service.

Text messages today have an average read rate of 96%.

Texting is not only a highly personal and engaging way to deliver aftercare messages to families, it is also a way to assure families that we are thinking of them.

These messages are sent on the decedents birthday, during holidays, mothers day, fathers day etc.

We find this form of communication successful and positive.

Below are a few responses to this program from families.

In addition to Domicare, Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services uses Aftercare.com for other survey needs. In years past we sent families cards during Anniversary of death and during holidays.

This method became cumbersome when business needs incrased and ultimately, families were affected.

Today, we provide the Aftercare Card Program as a welcome answer to this continual problem.

This automated solution sends four cards plus a survey during the first year to the familes we serve.

B

Category 2: Leadership and Staff Professional Development Why Study Personal and Professional Success?

According to the Employee Happiness Index, 48% of employees are unhappy (or somewhat happy) at work.

Over 50% of employees surveyed in a national study indicated that they don’t perform well if they aren’t satisfied at work.

Approximately 38% of workers say the ability to make a difference motivates them to do their job.

As a result of working in the deathcare industry, we understand that our behavior directly affects a grieving families emotional state. In short, we are in an industry in which we must maintain our professionalism at all times. Recognizing the need for professional development and training, the management of Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services encouraged and supported one of our core team members in continuing education.

On November 3, 2020, Whitley Cotton attended an online course “Being a Successful Professional”. The course consisted of four core areas.

1. Communication 2. Goal Setting 3. Identify a Mentor 4. Never stop Learning Some of the main points that were highlighted in being an effective communicator was body language, public speaking skills, active listening, and communication tips. This course has improved our employee’s communication with families and among our colleagues.

C

On November 30, 2020, Dr. Camelia Clarke, Anderson Randolph, and Benjamin Robinson enrolled and completed an eight-hour course for Crematory Operations Certification Program. The content of this course was designed to increase the understanding of crematory operations and to provide a solid overview of best practices related to cremation. It ensures that all employees have the most current crematory operations training available in the industry and provides proof to the public of your commitment to safe cremation practices that demonstrate the utmost respect and caring for their loved ones.

H

Taahiraa Thomas who is our Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) at Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services promotes advance funeral planning to the public, enhances our credibility and professionalism, ensures recognition of our arrangement expertise, and adds value to our relationships with families. She ensures that when she is doing a pre-plan arrangement that families know their options when having to take care of the financial obligations. Our CPC helps families understand what the difference between a burial trust and insurance. She ensures that every family walks away with an understanding about pre-planning and how it is beneficiary for families.

L

EO Wisconsin As the world’s only peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs, EO helps transform the lives of those who transform the world. On June 10-12, 2021, Dr. Camelia L. Clarke and Marcel A. Clarke attaneded this powereul retreat in which the emphasis was on Conscious Entrepreneurship.

CONSCIOUS ENTREPRENEUR RETREAT JUNE 10-12 Thursday 2:30 Check in The Ridge Hotel, W4240 WI-50, Lake Geneva 3:00 Paddle boarding/Kayaking (walk down to the boat launch building) Note if early check in is not available you may use the the Alder ballroom.

5:30 Welcome reception (Alder Ballroom) 6:00 Sumeet Chahal: "Know Yourself/Know Your Team" 7:15 Dinner 8:30 Movie: Cheer Documentary w/ Double Good popcorn 9:00 Open bar Friday - at the Zen Shed aka: Alternative Storage, W4191 State road 11, Elkhorn 7:45 Yoga & Meditation w/ Regina 8:30 Breakfast & Event Kick off (Will Scott) 9:00 Tim Heitman: Double Good Popcorn 10:00 Sarjoo Patel: Conscious Entrepreneur Discussion 11:00 EO SLP's: 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Dr. Amelia Case: Conscious Health 2:00 Will Scott: Personal Values 3:00 Walk in Beauty 5:30 Bhante Sujatha: Living Consciously 7:00 Drinks / Dinner 8:30 Zen Shed after party 10:00 Surprise Celebration Event 11:00 Bus provided back to the hotel (don't worry - you will have a ride back to your vehicle if needed) Saturday 11:00 Checkout (Breakfast on your own) THINGS TO BRING: Swim suit, comfy clothes, yoga mat, special dietary preferences and, if you are particular, your favorite adult beverage.

Need expert help? Call Laura: 262-994-2849 / Troy: 262-374-2529

NOTE: FOR UPDATES, WATCH THE EO WISCO EVENTS SLACK CHANNEL

A B C

Category 3: Family Outreach, Support and Services Here at Paradise Memorial, we provide families with a few different aftercare resources. With our daily email messages of comfort and hope, families will feel the support of knowing we are here to walk with them through this inevitable journey of grief. Each email includes advice, stories, and other thoughts to help grieving families address the challenges that come when they experience the loss of a loved one. On our website we provide families with four different grief support groups which are; Grief Share, Web Healing, The Compassionate Friends, and AARP. Each group targets a specific loss a family may have experienced. We encourage families to visit our website and explore the best option for them to help them get through their grieving process.

When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to help kids cope with the loss, particularly as families work through their own grief. By being open and honest, encouraging communication, and sharing their own feelings, families and their children cope with painful times and begin your healing journey together. Our Paradise Memorial website provides a detailed description about childhood and grief which is categorized by age brackets and describes how a child may deal with death. We know how delicate a child is and when a child experiences a loss, they need to know that they are not alone.

We offer a few helpful resources online for children dealing with grief. One of the resources online is a guide that was created by Sesame Workshop, the educational organization behind Sesame Street. It explores children’s understanding of death and offers information about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss. We encourage every family to explore these options when children are affected by a loss.

Annually around Christmas, Paradise Memorial Funeral Home pays homage to the families that we are privileged to serve. In honor of those that have transitioned, the Paradise Memorial Funeral Home Family remembers and reflects on the lives and legacies and share with the families of those who have transitioned from this life. We do this through our Memorial service in which every name from year to year is spoken and rotating on our life celebration screens. This is a complete service that includes a homilist. Due to an unforeseen pandemic the 2021 Memorial Service was held virtual on Sunday, December 27, 2020. “As long as they speak your name, you will never die.” Author unknown

Below is a youtube video of the Annual Memorial Service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxGCAoa38Bg&t=5s

E

Paradise Memorial offers families a multitude of grief and bereavement resources whether its an online resource or a brochure and pamphlets we ensure that the resources are readily accessible to families. Below are a few online resources and their links: Grief Share GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You do not have to go through the grieving process alone.

GriefShare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You will gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. https://www.griefshare.org/ Web Healing Web Healing, the internet’s first interactive grief website, has served the bereaved on the net since 1995. It offers grief discussion boards where men and women can discuss issues related to grief and healing or browse recommended grief books. The site’s originator, Tom Golden, LCSW, is an internationally known psychotherapist, author, and speaker on the topic of healing from loss. https://webhealing.com/ When Families Grieve This guide was created by Sesame Workshop, the educational organization behind Sesame Street. It explores children’s understanding of death and offers information about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss. https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/grief/ Helpful Children’s Books This list recommends children’s books that deal with death and grief. These easy-to-read stories can open up a meaningful discussion between you and your child, and help children make sense of their feelings and understand what they’re experiencing. https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/grief-resources/suggested-books/books-for-grieving-children More Advice Here you’ll find a Huffington Post article by Judith Acosta containing advice and guidance from her book Verbal First Aid, which counsels parents on ways to help kids heal from fear and pain in a variety of situations, including the death of a loved one. If you find the advice in the article helpful, you may want to read her book for even more insight. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/death-and-dying-talking-t_b_621011

A

Category 4: Community Service and Education On April 2, 2019, RKIMS and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., hosted their 4th Annual Career Day from 9:00am-10:30am. Guest arrived at 8:45am for a Continental Breakfast. During the event, each grade level (7th-8th) rotated the different stations in the gym for 30 minutes.

There were volunteers from every area and scope of life. There were professionals from the areas of architecture, construction, medical, mental health, sports, science and technology, government, education, entrepreneurship and journalism. During the event, Marcel A. Clarke spoke to over fifty-five 7th and 8th graders and discussed the daily activity as a Funeral Director. He shared stories of death in youth as well as day to day operations. The students were in awe over the details related to the profession. At the conclusion of the event, Marcel Clarke told the students “I dont want to see any of you in my funeral home on a metal table”.

This statement ran deep in the youith and hopefully scared a few kids straight.

A

How Do You Spell Excellence?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Education is a partnership between home, school, and community. Participating in the development and future of our youth is just one of the ways that the partnership proves its effectiveness. The Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Kappa Phi Chapter recognize the need for positive role models in each community. Thus, we are dedicating our time and efforts to help the youth in our communities.

In doing our part, we hosted the “5th Annual Kappa Phi Chapter Spelling Bee” on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at 1pm. The event was held at Hi Mount Elementary School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event consisted of 21 participants all of which were 3rd and 4th grade students. During the spelling bee, the students were encouraged to challenge themselves and were given uplift and encouragement by the brothers. The judges of the event were Omega Men Kenneth Jolly, Alonzo Williams and DeArquise Robinson. Other notable guests were Assistant Principal and Omega Man Richard Watkins.

Chairperson Marcel A. Clarke indicated that “Spelling Bees are a long-running tradition that encourages young children to develop their vocabulary and spelling skills. I recall winning a spelling bee as a 7th grader in Chicago and the confidence gained from the experience lasted a lifetime. It is our belief that spelling bees foster a positive mindset, as well as help our students develop self-confidence and self-worth. Hopefully we can create that same spirit in these participants”.

OBJECTIVES: •To expand student vocabulary and encourage accurate word usage and pronunciation.

•To improve and advance the skills associated with good spelling habits.

•To enhance student’s development of poise and communication under pressure.

•To provide an opportunity for students to meet and encourage them to become involved in extracurricular activities.

After the event, each participant received a gold medal and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners each received a trophy as well as cash prizes.

C

Paradise Memorial Funeral Home strongly believes that our presence should extend far beyond the Pre- Need or At-Need point of contact. We understand that our reach should be extensive and should impact all areas of our family’s lives. Paradise Memorial Funeral Home collaborated once again to provide over 200 families with boxes of food to feed entire households. For approximately 2 hours on October 31, 2020 we were privileged to share nutritious vitals and ensure that those who were in need were cared for.

D

The mission of Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services states“The entire staff is committed to helping families create meaningful events that are focused on the celebration of life and bring healing to the living.” This includes, but is not limited to the home going or celebration of life services. Paradise Memorial Funeral Home in partnership with the Westside Church MKE, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Kappa Phi Chapter collaborated to ensure that families in the various communities were provided with a complete Thanksgiving meal. Through this partnership, close to 150 families were recipients of this benevolence. This community outreach initiative culminated on Saturday, November 21, 2020.

E

E

We have a number of staff members that work and serve to strengthen many causes within our community. Marcel Clarke in conjunction with Taahiraa Thomas founded a scholarship fund in memory of her late son who passed away due to suicide. This prompted Taahiraa to not only take an interest in learning the why’s of Suicide, but also becoming a champion for suicide prevention. There are annual events held to raise revenue and awareness for suicide prevention such as the Double Good Popcorn fundraiser, in which was held in April 2021 and raised over $14,000.00 for this cause. Benjamin Robinson also serves on the committee for the Office of Violence and Prevention for the City of Milwaukee. This committee was created due to the stark increase in violence within the city. The Milwaukee Health Department is the overarching supervisor, during the 2021 year, we have hosted monthly meetings, rallies, prayer vigils for those who have lost their lives to gun violence, as well as partnered with local business owners to have community days that provides families and communities with access to resources around mental health, violence prevention, and basic needs.

Natalie Paige Graduated with a 3.76 GPA and ranked 46 out of 202 Students Will attend Howard University majoring in Psychology

Kyla Racks Graduated with a 4.0 GPA and ranked 1 out of 344 Students Kyla will attend North Carolina A & T majoring in Pre-Med

E

On November 3rd, 2020, some voters could ride in style to the polls on Election Day courtesy of Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During the 2020 Presidential election, the funeral home led by its owner, Brother Marcel A. Clarke, offered to chauffer older residents to voting booths amid the coronavirus pandemic.

During the campaign, the funeral home picked up residents throughout Milwaukee and chauffeured them to their various polling locations. The residents ranged range ages 31-87.

The initiative was created to help get people to the polls in Milwaukee which was a key battleground state. Paradise Memorial Funeral Home owner, Brother Marcel A. Clarke emphasized that “transportation is even more crucial this year as people attempt to vote safely during the pandemic and may have to travel farther with reduced polling places.

In addition, many are in fear of using public transportation for fear of COVID19”.

Paradise Memorial Funeral Home organized “Limos to the Polls” to transport people to and from polling locations.

For voter Dawn Coltrain, the experience made her feel like a movie star.

“We want to eliminate every excuse,” said Funeral Home owner Marcel Clarke. “Any kind of barrier, any kind of reason that would hinder or distract people from getting to the polls.”

After each ride, the driver cleaned and sanitized the seats, doors, handle, backrest and windows.

E

Christmas Toy Giveaway

A

Category 5: Professional Service and Participation

D

E

The Unconventional Flower: Dr. Camelia L. Clarke.

Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service They say, “He who seeds a thought harvests a destiny.” For Dr. Camelia L. Clarke of Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service in Milwaukee, WI, those words were never more valid than when her destiny was sown at the age of 14.

“I mentioned to my high school principal that I had maybe wanted to become a mortician, and the next day she announced my ambition on the P.A. system for all the school to hear,” said Dr. Clarke. “She went on to become Principal of the Year, and I went on to follow that dream, making me a first-generation funeral homeowner.” At that moment, the seed of her future in funeral service was planted, and no matter how many times she questioned her career choice, her roots were embedded, and growth had already begun.

“My mother’s passing had a profound impact on my future in funeral service,” said Dr. Clarke.

“Four days after her death, my proudest moment was entering the halls of Worsham College of Mortuary Science knowing first-hand that I had a tremendous responsibility to the families I would serve someday.”

That mantra never left Dr. Clarke, who went onto a partnership with three others at 25. She saw a field of opportunity and potential for a funeral home to strive to meet her families’ needs, albeit in unconventional ways outside of traditional funeral service. “I believe in meeting the consumer where they are, not the other way around,” said Dr. Clarke.

Dr. Clarke’s forward-thinking and service-minded philosophy has made her an inspiration to those around her. She is the Immediate Past President of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association (WFDA). She was integral in navigating the evolving federal guidelines to the pandemic and acting as head of the local response to grieving families.

Her entrepreneurial posture, mixed with her background in funeral service, gives her a unique perspective. “My husband and I took over Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services, and we had the opportunity to meet the needs of today’s funeral consumers. We desired to implement strategies to meet them where they are instead of them having to conform to our idea of what “we” as funeral directors think a funeral service should be,” stated Dr. Clarke.

Today Dr. Clarke and her husband Marcel run their funeral home with the strategic mission of continual growth, being nimble along with the ability to adapt to changes in the profession as quickly as they come. She sees her firm as a ministry of nourishment and light to her families.

F

7/1/2021

NFDA > Dashboard > Invoices > View Invoice

Invoice #: INV-366492-R6K9Z0

Invoice Date: 10/20/2020 Invoice #: INV-366492-R6K9Z0 Bill To: Paradise Memorial Funeral & Cremation Services

Bill To Address

Ship To Address

Camelia L. Clarke 7625 W Appleton Ave Milwaukee, WI 53222-2007 US 414-461-8000

Camelia L. Clarke 7625 W Appleton Ave Milwaukee, WI 53222-2007 US 414-461-8000

Description Full Convention - 1st Registrant - Clarke, Camelia L.

Quantity

Price

Charges

1.00

$199.00

$199.00

Total Charges: Discount Amount: Sales Tax: Order Amount: Payment & Adjustments: Balance Due

https://portal.nfda.org/Dashboard/Invoices/View-Invoice/invoiceid/881b46a5-f812-eb11-80cf-94188202c19f



$199.00 $0.00 $0.00 $199.00 $199.00 $0.00

1/1

I

On April 18-19, 2021, the owners of Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services attended the Annual House of Representatives Meeting for the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association. The meeting was held at The Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel located in Atlanta, Georgia.

J

7/1/2021

NFDA > Dashboard > Invoices > View Invoice

Invoice #: INV-355900-F7K5R5

Invoice Date: 10/03/2020 Invoice #: INV-355900-F7K5R5 Bill To: Paradise Memorial Funeral & Cremation Services



Bill To Address

Ship To Address

Camelia L. Clarke 7625 W Appleton Ave Milwaukee, WI 53222-2007 US 414-461-8000

Camelia L. Clarke 7625 W Appleton Ave Milwaukee, WI 53222-2007 US 414-461-8000

Description

Quantity

Price

Charges

140.00

$0.95

$133.00

12/31/2021 Firm Membership - Choice, Tier 2 - Choice State

1.00

$506.00

$506.00

Funeral Service Foundation

1.00

$100.00

$100.00

12/31/2021 Death Certificate, Death Certificates

Total Charges: Discount Amount: Sales Tax: Order Amount: Payment & Adjustments: Balance Due

https://portal.nfda.org/Dashboard/Invoices/View-Invoice/invoiceid/6f9674b1-cf05-eb11-80cf-94188202c19f

$739.00 $0.00 $0.00 $739.00 $739.00 $0.00

1/1

B

Category 6: Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations Handling the death of a loved one is never an easy task. We’ve put together some of the important information you’ll need to make the initial decisions, reach out to the appropriate people, and begin the process of designing your loved one’s final farewell. Remember that, as you begin to cope with your loss, it’s often a good idea to enlist the help and support of a trusted friend in making the necessary arrangements.

If you have any questions about your next steps, the options available to you, or what the funeral arrangement process will entail, we’d be honored to walk you through this information in more detail and answer your questions. Don’t hesitate to contact us for anything you might need.

Within Hours When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, you’ll need to contact emergency personnel or your loved one’s physician if he or she was under medical care. If no one else was present when the death occurred, you’ll also need to notify the police before the deceased is moved to a secondary location.

When a death occurs while your loved one is in a hospital, care facility or hospice program, the professional staff will notify you and contact the appropriate authorities. If you’ve already given them the name of a funeral home, the facility will contact them as well.

The next steps involve registration of the death, and the processes and documentation involved depend upon the circumstances. The professionals you’ve contacted will help to guide you through obtaining a medical certificate and the appropriate registration procedures.

If you’re ever unsure of whom you should notify or what your next steps should be, please call us for assistance in determining the appropriate course of action for your particular situation.

Within the First Few Days After you’ve taken care of the initial necessary arrangements, you’ll want to notify friends and relatives of the death. If it is too painful for you to do this yourself, it’s absolutely okay for a trusted friend to make the call in your place. Now is the time to review any prearranged wishes or plans your loved one may have put in place, and meet with the professionals at your chosen funeral home to discuss your options and begin designing a funeral. You’ll also write a death notice or obituary to notify those in the community of your loved one’s passing.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have about what you need to do, even if your concerns aren’t directly related to the funeral. We’re well-versed in all topics relating to the loss of a loved one, and we’d be honored to provide you with answers, advice, and guidance in your time of need.

C

Social media marketing and website optimization have opened new avenues for funeral homes to reach a broader audience. Not every family stays local anymore — kids, siblings, parents — it’s uncommon for them to all be in the same town. So, when it comes to planning a funeral for a loved one, many families must turn to the internet and social media to decide who they want to work with.

As a result of this fact, Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services have made a number of changes and created a bigger focus on our social media platforms. Currently we can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We are also active in a few Facebook groups such as Embalmers who care and Mellinium Morticians. We further our knowledge base by being active participants and members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Below you will find several post on our Facebook page that not only inform our target audience but is used to educated and keep a footprint in the community we serve.

C

D

Over the last several years, the owners of Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services have created a number of blogs to reach trhe community. These blogs vary in subject from “What is a repast?” to “How old should a child be before attending a funeral?”. It is the belief of this funeral home that blogs are a great form of communication. They instruct families on topics they may not be aware of. In addition, blogs keep the name of the funeral home relavent and on the minds of the consumer. Below is a blog from 2019 created by arcel A. Clarke addressing a question reagrding age appropriateness for funerals.

Marcel A. Clarke, MBA Paradise Memorial Funeral & Cremation Services March 17, 2019 Should Children Attend Funerals?

When the death of a loved one occurs, adults are faced with difficult choices about whether to include children in death rituals such as Funerals and Memorial Services. Lately, this has become a glaring question in the Black Community. More and more I see family members in the Narthex with small children as a way of deflecting the act of a funeral taking place.

As a general guideline, children should be allowed to attend a wake, funeral and burial if they want to. Children can also be involved in the funeral planning. Joining family members for these rituals gives the child a chance to receive grief support from others and a chance to say goodbye in their own way to the deceased. We live in a society in which children are protected from everything from being bored to losing a game or contest. It is no wonder why the act of protecting them from a funeral is in question. No matter which side of the fence you are on, please be mindful of a few pointers.

Prepare Children Always prepare children for what will happen at any death ritual. Describing the funeral process step by step can help allay children’s anxieties about the event. It is important to reiterate that crying or not crying are both OK. Extra attention and affection from adults may be necessary so children do not feel forgotten or neglected. It is helpful to decide with a trusted adult so a child could leave the funeral or memorial service early if they wish.

Give Children a Choice Children should NEVER be forced to view or touch the body. They need to be given a choice that will be respected. If they are going to view the body, it is helpful to remind them that death is final and to describe how the body might look. Never tell children that someone is “sleeping”, “resting” or gone to be with the Lord. Children will take these comments serious and it could cause emotional issues later in life. For example; telling a child that someone is sleeping may result in the child being afraid to go to sleep. These are common mistakes we make in the Black Community.

Children should be asked if there is anything they would like buried with their loved one. It is often comforting for the child to place a small gift, a drawing, a letter or a picture of themselves in the casket. Furthermore, children can be empowered to help decide on flowers, caskets/urns, and the memorial cards that are handed out.

Whatever decisions are made regarding children in your family please remember that children can handle more than we think. The choice should be based on the individual child’s abilities to comprehend and understand. Also, NEVER force the child to attend a funeral.

BACK COVER 3.6042 x 8.5

FRONT COVER 3.6042 x 8.5

?? ? ?

How will you be remembered?

What good have you created ???????????????? in the world?

How has your life touched those around you?

What will those around you miss when you are gone?

How can a funeral help ? ?? ? your loved ones smile again?

Each one of us is an individual, with our own story. Our own legacy. Living a life unlike any other, uniquely affecting people around us in a myriad of ways. Ways many of us couldn’t begin to comprehend.

Paradise C-Fold Brochure v3.indd 1

How will you be remembered?

Your life’s memories are what matter most.

Not your treasures or trinkets. Not even your heirlooms or annuities. No matter what you’ve accomplished or accumulated, your lasting legacy is tied to how you are remembered by those you’ve touched and the impact you’ve had in their lives.

ParadiseMemorialFuneralHome.com

What will your legacy be ?

7625 West Appleton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53222 (414) 461-8000

E

3.6042 x 8.5

10/26/17 12:18 PM

F

One of the staples in any community is active and participating fathers. At Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services we recognize the importance of fathers and the active role they play daily in the lives of our youth. Many of these fathers are school teachers, engineers, Accountants, Businessmen and Pastors to name a few. On July 6, 2019, Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services sponsored a Fathers Appreciation Breakfast in which we paid for the meals for over 82 fathers who attended the breakfast.

The event was highlighted by an awesome word from Pastor Daryn Crenshaw who talked about the importance of fathers in our lives.

pictured above: Marcel A. Clarke

Pastor Daryn Crenshaw Greater Community Baptist Church