Black – Caskets and Urns News Journal

Carlos Black and Christopher Costello Elected 2025-27 At-Large Representatives to NFDA Board of Directors

Tony Ramos — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:25:17 +0000

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Brookfield, Wis. – Carlos D. Black and Christopher Costello have been elected to serve as at-large representatives on the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Board of Directors. They will begin their two-year terms of service immediately following the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo, taking place October 26 though 29 in Chicago, Illinois.

On August 5, during the NFDA Leadership Conference in Napa, California, state association representatives elected the new at-large representatives. State association representatives are the voting representatives from each state who cast a ballot on behalf of their state for the at-large representatives on the NFDA Board of Directors.

Carlos D. Black brings more than 30 years of experience in funeral service, having advanced from funeral attendant to general manager. He currently serves as General Manager of Small’s Mortuary Inc., which has multiple locations in Mobile, Alabama. A licensed funeral director in both Alabama and Texas, Black is known for his operations management skills, commitment to professional development and passion for community engagement. In addition to his funeral service credentials, Black is an ordained minister serving at Beth Eden Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, a role that complements his compassionate leadership style and dedication to ethical service. Throughout his career, he has championed excellence in operations, mentorship of emerging professionals and advocacy on behalf of the profession.

“If elected to the Board of Directors,” Black stated in his campaign biography, “I will bring leadership and operational expertise, a commitment to mentoring the next generation of funeral professionals, and a strong voice for advancing policies and practices that protect and elevate our profession.”

Christopher Costello is a licensed funeral director with Mothe Funeral Homes in New Orleans, Louisiana. A fourth-career funeral director, Costello’s professional journey has included roles as a chemist, educator, business leader and consultant. This diverse background gives him a distinctive perspective on innovation, problem-solving and public service in funeral care. Costello’s commitment to service is evident in both his professional and volunteer work. Costello was a member of the 2024-25 class of the NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program and is currently serving on the NFDA Convention Education Task Force. Over the years, he has held positions ranging from volunteer to board officer across a variety of community and professional organizations. With 30 years in New Orleans, he is deeply connected to his local community and the families he serves.

“My experience outside of funeral service helps me bring fresh thinking to the challenges our industry faces,” said Costello. “I’m energized to offer insight from other sectors and help identify solutions that will strengthen NFDA and advance funeral service nationwide.” More information about Black and Costello can be found on the NFDA website, NFDA.org/Elections.

NFDA Board Leadership

As announced in June, the following individuals were elected by NFDA members to serve as officers on the 2025-26 Board of Directors:

President-elect: Chris E. Christian, CFSP, CCO, Christian-Sells Funeral Home, Rogersville, Tennessee
Treasurer: Steven Spann, CFSP, CCO, Spann Funeral Home, Dickson, Tennessee
Secretary: Ellen Wynn McBrayer, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CCSP, Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory, Villa Rica, Georgia

Following his term as 2024-25 President-elect, Daniel J. Ford, CFSP, CCSP, of Alderson-Ford Funeral Home in Cheshire, Connecticut, will lead NFDA as the 2025-26 President. Current NFDA President Christopher P. Robinson, CFSP, CCO, Robinson Family Funeral Homes, Easley, South Carolina, will continue on the Board with a one-year term as the 2025-26 Immediate Past President. Also continuing their service on the NFDA Board are 2024–26 At-large Representatives Carlton Maye Jr., MBA, CFSP, CCO, of Statesboro, Georgia; and Ladd Pulliam, CFSP, CCO, of Richton, Mississippi.

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving nearly 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and more than 40 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

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Why Choose Black For A Funeral Service?

Tony Ramos — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:28:42 +0000

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Floral Arrangements and Their Symbolism: Choosing the Right Flowers for a Funeral

March 24, 2025

Funerals are an emotionally challenging time, and floral arrangements play a crucial role in expressing condolences, offering comfort, and honoring the memory of the deceased. Whether you are planning a tribute or selecting flowers to send, the arrangement you choose can convey sentiments of sympathy, remembrance, and love. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the selection process thoughtfully and respectfully. Understand the Purpose of Funeral Flowers Funeral flowers have long been associated with expressing sympathy, love, and reverence for the deceased. They provide a visual representation of the support and empathy being extended to grieving families. Floral arrangements can also enhance the atmosphere, offering a sense of peace, comfort, and beauty amidst sorrow. When selecting funeral flowers, think about the emotions you wish to convey. A well-chosen arrangement can serve as a tribute to the life of the deceased and a source of solace for those mourning. Types of Funeral Floral Arrangements There are various floral arrangements, each serving a distinct purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options: Casket Sprays: Typically placed directly on the casket, these large, elegant arrangements are often the most prominent floral tribute. They can be designed in various colors and styles, including traditional or more contemporary themes. Standing Sprays: These arrangements are often displayed at the front of the ceremony or in a prominent location and are typically mounted on an easel. Wreaths: Circular in shape, wreaths symbolize eternity and the circle of life. They can be placed near the casket or at the memorial site. Wreaths are particularly popular for religious ceremonies. Sympathy Bouquets and Basket Arrangements: These smaller arrangements are often sent directly to the family’s home after the funeral. Funeral Crosses: These floral arrangements take the shape of a cross, providing a religious and solemn tribute. Selecting Flowers for the Arrangement The type of flowers chosen for a funeral arrangement can add another layer of meaning. Some flowers have traditional associations with funerals and carry symbolic meanings that make them particularly appropriate for these occasions. Lilies: Often regarded as a symbol of the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased, lilies are a popular choice for funerals. They convey purity and peace. Roses: Different colors of roses convey different meanings. Red roses symbolize love and respect, while white roses represent purity, innocence, and reverence. Yellow roses can symbolize friendship, making them a thoughtful choice for someone who was a dear friend. Chrysanthemums: Particularly popular in many cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize death and are often associated with the honor and remembrance of the deceased. Carnations: Known for their long-lasting qualities, carnations are often used in funeral arrangements to symbolize love and remembrance. Red carnations are associated with admiration, while white carnations represent a love that is eternal. Orchids: An elegant choice, orchids are often associated with beauty, strength, and love. They are a fitting tribute to someone whose beauty or strength left a lasting impression. Daisies: Known for their simplicity and purity, daisies symbolize innocence and are often chosen for someone who led a kind and pure life. Color Choices The color of the flowers can convey different sentiments. Generally, soft pastel tones such as white, pale pink, lavender, and soft yellow are seen as respectful and peaceful. Darker hues like deep reds, purples, or burgundy can symbolize deeper emotions of mourning and respect. Consider the emotional tone you wish to set when selecting the color scheme. White and Light Colors: These colors are symbolic of purity, innocence, and peace. They are ideal for creating a calming, reflective atmosphere. Rich Colors: Darker flowers like deep reds and purples are more somber and convey respect, admiration, and heartfelt mourning. Mixed Colors: A mix of colors can be used to celebrate the life and personality of the deceased, particularly if they enjoy vibrant colors. Selecting funeral flowers is a meaningful way to show respect and offer comfort during a time of loss. When choosing an arrangement, think about the message you want to convey and the emotions you wish to express. From elegant lilies and roses to more personalized arrangements, flowers provide a beautiful tribute to the deceased and a heartfelt gesture for grieving families. Whether you opt for traditional arrangements like casket sprays and wreaths or choose simpler options like sympathy bouquets, your selection can help honor a life lived and provide solace to those mourning the loss. Thoughtfully chosen funeral flowers will offer comfort during one of life’s most challenging moments.

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Memories of Black History Month 2022 in the Brazos Valley

Tony Ramos — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 03:38:24 +0000

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Each February, in celebration of Black History month, Brazos Valley residents have the opportunity to meet, know, and learn about many of our residents who were instrumental in African American community historic preservation. In 1999, area residents Mr. and Mrs. Willie (Mell) Pruitt had the idea for an African American Heritage Museum. The photo below is courtesy of the BVAAM from a prior gathering.

Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt were beloved educators of many years here. Mrs. Pruitt preceded her husband in death in 2009, and Mr. Pruitt, a former Asst. Principal at Bryan High, died earlier this week on February 21 ^st
.

On July 22, 2006, the Museum’s doors opened to the public, thanks to the generous donations from across our community—individuals, churches, and civic leaders. Today, the Museum is built on the original site of the first school for people of color in the Brazos Valley, founded in 1886, which later burned. In 1930, the school was reopened as Washington Elementary School and stood until, again, a fire burned it down. The school’s final principal while standing was O. W. Sadberry, Sr.

Coincidentally, that same evening as Mr. Pruitt passed, Bryan ISD Trustees revealed that the third Bryan ISD Intermediate School under construction will be named in honor of educator O. W. Sadberry, Sr. Most fitting, this naming opportunity for his father
was the dream of longtime area educator and civic leader, Oliver Wayne Sadberry, Jr. The new Maintenance and Transportation facility will also be named in honor of the late BISD driver, Ms. Ruby Halliburton.

The unanimous decision was announced just 47 days after Wayne’s passing, at the age of 78. Poignantly the announcement would come just a few short days after we held his Life Celebration and Home Going in our Funeral Center last month.

Completing the circle, last night, on February 26, the Annual Appreciation Banquet
was held at the Brazos Valley African American Museum, and the historian’s torch passed forward onto O.W.’s great-granddaughter, BISD student Miss Jaden Eleiz Twitty, as she spoke on the occasion of the family. In her remarks she noted the impact that her grand-father and great-grand-father had made in the Brazos Valley, as educators, historians, role models and encouragers, which are individuals that younger people need most. Miss Twitty noted that it’s important for younger persons her age take an interest in who their family members are, where they came from geographically and personally, and only by learning their stories can this generation relate to what it was like “back then.” Dr. Albert Broussard, a close friend of Wayne Sadberry’s through the years, also spoke about his excellent contributions to the Brazos Valley African American Museum.

The full program from Saturday’s Fund-Raising Event is shown next. Reviewing the list of organizers and participants, you’ll see the neighbors and friends who volunteered their time to make this appreciation event happen, even with the recent passing of two local icons.

Among the many elements of preserving history, the oral interview is one of the most important. Really, it’s the only way we have to keep track of our history as a community are in the words and photographs of those who will take the time to curate the collection with their stories throughout the generations. At Texas Christian University, there is a “Portal to Texas History” that includes an Oral History Interview with Wayne Sadberry
, July 8, 2015.

Many resources now exist, including one by Asst. Professor Andrea Roberts of the College of Architecture’s Urban Planning Department. Known as the Texas Freedom Colonies Project, the goal is to “help African-American Texans reclaim their unrecognized and unrecorded heritage. The mission of the project is two-fold: to help African-American Texans reclaim their unrecognized and unrecorded heritage and empower city planners to plan and preserve communities with unprecedented knowledge about the freedom colonies.” See more about it here
, including a photo of Wayne Sadberry with Prof. Roberts.

Did you know that as part of the City of Bryan’s 150th anniversary, an oral history project was created? It’s called “ Voices Past and Present
” and it contains interviews with longtime Bryan residents about “how things were here as they were growing up.” Within this compilation you will find historic jewels from our longtime city members. Take one for example: “In 2012, Dr. Oswell Person, a leader in the field of higher education and E. A. Kemp Junior-Senior High School alumnus, spoke with Carnegie History Center oral historian Anne Preston about education in Bryan during segregation. Dr. Person is the author of two books on the African American experience in Bryan, Moving Forward from Behind: Life and Times of African-Americans in Bryan, Texas from 1885 to 1971
, and African American Bryan, Texas: Celebrating the Past. ”

And another question: did you know that KORA radio once broadcast from the Varisco building downtown? Or that a tornado blew through town in 1956 and destroyed The Finfeather Club? Local attorney Roland Searcy reflects on that topic. And the words of Sunny Nash, who would grow up to be an international journalist, photographer, and author, she described segregation as she was growing up and trying to access books to read in the library, as her cousin Margaret had already read all of the ones in the bookmobile. A group of three young ladies waited on the steps outside as Margaret had gone in to see about reading in the Carnegie Library. When she came out with a stack full of books in her arms that she had checked out, they all learned that day there was no segregation at least in the Carnegie Library, an exciting revelation and one long awaited.

We learn best from telling our stories. The history comes to life when we record our voices and provide an even greater layer and dimension to what we know, saw, did, and how we felt. It becomes, as Nash said, “a matter of taking every opportunity to improve something every chance you get,” a lesson she learned from her mother.

As we exit the month of February then, let’s all focus on telling our stories, of preserving history for future generations to have reliable, accurate information to pass on to future generations.

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What Black History Month Means to All of Us in the Brazos Valley

Tony Ramos — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 21:42:43 +0000

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Since 1986, the arrival of February 1 each year means
the remembrance of Black History Month, established by Congress passing Public Law 99-244, that year marking “the beginning of the sixtieth annual public and private salute to Black History.” Originally a celebration that was one-month-long, the focus on study and scholarship of African American history is worthy of a full month.

When you survey the Brazos Valley, one of the first places to learn about the accomplishments of our residents is the Brazos Valley African American Museum. Thanks to a partnership with Optimum Internet, admission to the BVAAM is free. Located is fitting as it is at 500 E. Pruitt Street, named for Mell Pruitt and her husband Dr. Willie Pruitt, names well known to all of us. That very site had once been “one of the original black schools in the Brazos Valley.” Since its opening in July 2006, the museum had only one curator, O. Wayne Sadberry, Jr., Texas A&M Class of 1971, who passed away in January 2022. Today, Barry K. Davis, Texas A&M Class of 1976 holds that position today and his wife, Mildred, is the current Chair of the Museum. For the month of February, admission is Free to all patrons thanks to the donation of a generous patron.

As another Black History Month celebration event, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 1pm at the Mounce Library in Bryan, Paula King-Harper, president of the Wilson Pottery Foundation in Seguin, TX, will “ share
the history of the Wilson family and H. Wilson and Co. Pottery, the first African American-owned business in Texas.” Check it out. You’ll be glad you did!

The museum is hosting its 22 ^nd
annual Appreciation Banquet on February 25 at 6pm at the College Station Hilton, where Jason Cornelius will moderate the evening many community leaders will be honored for all they have done for our city, state, or beyond. This event is the primary fundraiser for the museum each year. Tickets are available at the Museum and online.

Although February is Black History month, it’s valuable to visit the African American Museum regularly, as they have a rotating
exhibit devoted to families that have been in Bryan and Brazos County for several generations. Those participating have opened up long-ago scrapbooks and shared autobiographies that their family historians have penned so that our area youth, especially, can see their forefathers who made key contributions to the community over the decades.

The importance of history cannot be overemphasized. There’s an excellent online resource
from 2022 that the City of Bryan posted, “Celebrating Black History Month in Bryan.” In preparing the 150 ^th
Anniversary of Incorporation of the City of Bryan, several outstanding online resources were prepared and shared.

Fortunately, key interviews were obtained from the late O. Wayne Sadberry, Jr., founding curator of the African American Museum and son of O. W. Sadberry, Sr., who taught at the Rosenwald School for rural African Americans. Checking out the video
of Wayne Sadberry sharing the educational journey that his father inspired for so many area children to be able to attend (and pay for) college is inspirational.

How poignant it is that while Mr. Sadberry Jr. organized, together with community leader George Vaults and 250 key citizens, an effort to see Bryan’s new intermediate school named for his father, he died 5 weeks before the announcement was made. How fortuitous to have audio, video, and transcripts of the facts he was willing to share, as he’d studied and lived them firsthand here for years.

There are additional interviews of great interest: Bryan native and award-winning photojournalist Sunny Nash talks about breaking the segregation barrier at the Bryan Public Library as well as City of Bryan historian Randy Haynes about Bryan’s first Black Police Officer, Levi Neal, who was killed “in the line of duty,” also poignantly, 123 years ago, on February 24, 1900.

These dates, places, monuments, and markers are the key authentic original resources that family members can share to preserve, protect, and defend our local history? How can each of us, then, make a difference to Black History Month in the Brazos Valley?

Seniors can write, preserve, record, or video their memories and anyone with a smartphone can be a part of recording that history. Think of how important it would be to you to see, hear, or read the words (especially the handwriting) of someone who lived life during the days and times you only read history books about. To understand a person’s life, you must hear their voice. In days not so long ago, the only way to preserve a voice was an handwriting. That art has always been prized and even today, children spend less time learning handwriting in schools, because they don’t need it when they are keyboarding.

And yet, history—any way you look at it—is communicating personal experiences for future generations to know, recognize, and appreciate either just how much their lives were similar or different. Every generation wants their children to have it “easier than they did,” or to have things “better than they had.”

As we proceed through Black History Month, may we be ever mindful of the appreciation we owe to generations among us now passing away, and work to preserve our Black history here in the Brazos Valley.

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Coffin Rings & Black Holes | 4M #164

Tony Ramos — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:44:23 +0000

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Welcome to the hundred-and-sixty-fourth edition of Morticians’ Monday Morning Mashup, 4M #164, where we’ll serve up bite-sized, easily-digestible nuggets of the deathcare news you need to crush conversations in the week ahead. Bon appetit!

Kiss it goodbye

It was learned last week that controversial politician Henry Kissinger, who died at the ripe old age of 100 last year, requested in his will that a “monument” be erected at his gravesite in Arlington Cemetery. However, that probably won’t happen, even though his four executors are backed with funds from an $80 million estate. Arlington’s regulations for markers are quite clear — and restrictive, especially when it comes to “private” endeavors. Kissinger reps have concluded that the eventual marker will be “limited to no more than 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 2 feet deep,” which is still larger than the cemetery’s traditional white military stones, which are 42 inches tall, 13 inches wide and 4 inches thick.

Mixed messages

Screenshot from https://starlandus.com/collections/coffin-shape

Move over, cremation jewelry — there’s a new death-themed ring in town. It’s the “trendy” coffin-shaped engagement ring, and according to this press release, it’s “catching the eyes of an increasing number of young people, even surpassing traditional pear shapes to become the go-to choice for those seeking personalized engagement rings.” The Starland Boutique website, which features several styles with “coffin-cut” stones, says the intention is to signify that marriage is a “‘til death do us part” commitment.

It could happen …

You guys know better than anyone that there are millions of ways to die, but have you ever considered what it would be like to die in space? More specifically, by falling into a black hole? Well, today’s your lucky day, because a YouTuber has quite thoroughly illustrated that potential demise — just as he has depicted dying by drinking too much water and what happens to your brain at death. In case you were wondering, bodies that fall into a black hole will be “spaghettified” — stretched to become taller and thinner — by the hole’s gravity force. Chances are you’ll never have to serve the family of a person who dies in a black hole, but just in case, I guess it’s good to know.

You already have the black ties

While we didn’t receive an invitation, we’re excited to read about the upcoming Undertakers Ball, an upcoming black-tie event that raises funds for funeral service student scholarships. Sponsored by the Undertakers Ball Association of St. Louis, an organization dedicated to celebrating funeral professionals, the event will include “fine dining, live music, in a ballroom setting” and “Saint Louis’ Elite society will be dressed to impress.” What an elegant and fun way to unwind, honor others, and support the profession!

Valuable lessons

Catholic high school students in Louisville, Kentucky have turned local cemeteries into a classroom of sorts, and they’re learning much more than math and science. Thanks to support from Catholic Charities, these students have taken on the responsibility of providing proper memorialization for the area’s indigent dead. Along with other community volunteers, the group regularly cleans up gravesites, installs memorials purchased by the charity, and facilitates Catholic memorial services.

This.

An article published last week by North Carolina Health News with the title “An embalmer worked by flashlight as Helene’s floodwaters rose” is an interview with Lonny Denny, a funeral director in one of the Ashe County communities that was devastated by Helene. It’s such a testament to your professions’ enduring dedication and servant hearts.

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