Page 44
December 2002
The AC Phoenix
RUSSELL'S: CONTINUING QUALITY SERVICE
Continued from Page 1
For over sixty years, Russell’s Funeral Home has operated in Winston-
Salem- providing the highest quality of service to myriad families
trusting them with the care of their loved ones.
The Family-Owned business started in 1939 by Carl H. Russell, Sr.
and his wife. He wanted to go to dental or medical school but could
not afford it. While he and his wife were living in Washington, DC,
they read about a funeral home going out of business in Falls Church,
VA, and decided to buy it. Not only was Carl committed to high qual
ity funeral services but committed to the community politically,
socially and spiritually. He was an Alderman for 16 years and he
worked for housing, education and quality medical care for African-
Americans in thp nnmmiinitu
apprentice who will soon be licensed. Out of the nine, five are
family members. Russell’s offers complete and personal service-
from immediate burial to direct cremation.
According to Cedric, preparation of the body is one of the most
important things. “You wanna have some peace of mind and
establish closure. Families don’t want their deceased loved ones to
look unrecognizable.” He goes on to say we “feel blessed to have a
staff that is established.”
In addition, he feels that it is how you treat families that is also a
vital part of great service. Being polite and courteous especially in
their time of need. Qualities, which go a long way. When all of these
qualities are woven together, it leads to a connection of families
choosing to stick with a particular funeral home, which many families
in the area seem to do. If a family is satisfied with the service they
have received then they come back- true with any type of business.
The customer’s trust is built slowly over time.
Christmas is upon us. It is a joyous time but a sad time for some
because many lose family and friends during this time or have lost
loved ones. Holidays bring up memories of missed loved ones
because these are times when families get together. We miss them
and hopefully when we are gathered together we can give thanks for
the time we were able to be with them. Hopefully their funeral service
was an event that was as special and personal as any other
celebration. Hopefully the service was carried out in a way that was
fitting of the life that was lived.
For Cedric everyday is Christmas and Thanksgiving. “People ask
me all the time what I want for Christmas.” His response. “If we can
just get away from the commercialism. We spend all our money for
one day and spend the next 12 months trying to dig out of debt. All
I want is peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”
ne prouaiy speaKs aouui ms (jarems ariu me inings they taught
him. “The seeds planted by our parents have become fruitful and
have multiplied. They helped many in the community and never did
it for recognition-they did it from the heart.” He adds that they did
many things for the less fortunate and he and his siblings continue to
do the same.
The initial location for Russell’s was on East 7th Street. The
facility has been at the current location (Carl Russell Avenue) since
1964. Cedric says they have held onto traditions but also have made
sacrifices to modernize the facility and purchase a modern fleet of
vehicles. “When you care and are truly sincere to families you have
to give them the best. We want to provide families with the best so
we put back into the business,” he adds.
In May 2002, eight new vehicles were purchased. “We were doing
fine with the fleet we had but we wanted to provide the public with
the best,” Cedric states. The best were selected- president styled
limousines, top-of-the-line hearses and two flower cars that he
describes as “unique in appearance- adding a nice touch.”
Despite the continued ringing of the phone, Cedric continues to
take the time to talk about the family business, offering an apology
each time for the interruption. “I’m sorry but this is the busiest time
of the year for us. Two weeks before Thanksgiving up until the
second or third week in January, it is busy. I don’t know why.”
According to the North Carolina Vital Statistics Institute for Research
and Social Science, UNC-Chapel Hill, Mortality Statistics, in 2001,
there were 78,844 deaths. The month of January had the highest
number of deaths with 6,811; March was second with 6,428; October
(6,289); December had the fourth highest number of deaths with
6,268. The lowest number of deaths occurred in September (5,585).
Russell’s staff is comprised of eight licensed representatives and one
‘0^o,!ivie
1)0/1
SHARI’S FASHIONS
Shari Miles • (336) 723- 6650
EAST-SIDE BAIL BONDS, INC.
Darryle Miles • (336) 723-6699
GiannyAlwaj^
- • Work Hard
• Be Honest
• Always Do Your Best
Boy, have we ever made
Granny Proud!!!
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