Everstory Partners, who may be the nation’s 2nd largest Death Care provider by serving over 65,000 families per year, recently announced completed renovations at their Cedar Hill Funeral Home just outside Washington, DC.  This press release from Everstory will give you more information on the recent transformation at the funeral home that serves about 1,400 families per year.

According to the press release, “Everstory Partners is transforming its funeral homes to emphasize hospitality and comfort for families.”

Again, according to the press release, “Everstory Partners’ mission is to create supportive spaces where individuals and families can find solace, meaning, and hope in the midst of loss. Since 1999, the company has grown to include 463 cemetery, funeral, and crematory locations serving more than 65,000 families a year across the United States (including Puerto Rico) on both a pre-need and at-need basis.”

Here is the website for Cedar Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery.

Here is the website for Everstory Partners.

LIlly Donohue
Everstory CEO

A Little History — You may recall that Everstory Partners grew out of the public company funeral home and cemetery operator StoneMor Partners that was taken private by Axar Capital Management in November 2022.  About a year later, the company re-branded as Everstory Partners.  Andrew Axelrod was the principal behind Axar Capital Management and today serves as the Chairman of the Board of Everstory Partners.  The day-to-day operations have been led by President and Chief Executive Officer Lilly Donohue since the take private movement in 2022.

The “Quiet Company” — If you Google “the quiet company” you will come up with at least one result that mentions Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance company who branded that way at one time.  Google’s definition of “the quiet company” said this, “formerly Northwestern Mutual, a financial giant noted for its understated, trust-focused approach.”

Northwestern Mutual has re-branded with a bolder approach than being the “quiet company” but I remember that moniker because I used Northwestern Mutual as the cornerstone of my financial holdings when I started in business over 40 years ago.  There is no doubt that they were understated, but financially strong with great ideas and avenues for their clients.

I bring this up because when I checked up on Everstory Partners I was very impressed with what I have seen in the past three years as to the development of the company . . . .and I had not heard much about what they were doing.  Here’s a brief video of Everstory Partners being featured on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid that will give you some insight on how they have been rebuilding the company since the take private moment.

Like Northwestern Mutual, I could not help but think that Everstory Partners is restoring an “understated and trust-focused” approach to what they are doing. . . . and, that should bode well for them moving into the future.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Cedar Hill Funeral Home Unveils Extensive Renovations

Second chapel, other key elements to assist grieving families, now open

Suitland, Md. (December 15, 2025) – Everstory Partners, one of the nation’s largest deathcare providers, is transforming its funeral homes to emphasize hospitality and comfort for families.

This weekend, Cedar Hill Funeral Home became the latest Everstory Partners location, under the Memorial Planning brand, to be transformed in this new direction.

“We want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible as they say goodbye to someone they love,” said Matt Sobon, senior vice president of operations, Everstory Partners. “We have researched deathcare approaches around the world, and everything shows our industry needs to focus on hospitality and how we care for our customers.”

Cedar Hill Funeral Home is one of the busiest locations in the Memorial Planning network. Serving Cedar Hill Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, and Washington National Cemetery, the funeral home hosts nearly 1,400 services each year.

“Cedar Hill Funeral Home provides a welcoming and caring space,” said Reverend Jerome (Sam) Tarver, pastor, Maple Springs Baptist Church and emcee of the December 13 ribbon cutting. “More importantly, a haven for peace and hope. It’s more than bricks, mortar, and fresh paint; more than a Java bar or new meeting rooms. It’s about ministry that walks with families in difficult times.”

Throughout the funeral home, the renovations introduce modern design elements, including updated colors, furniture, and fixtures, to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The highlight of the renovation is a second chapel, doubling the existing capacity and now accommodating services for up to 200 guests.

Key renovation highlights include:

• Redesigned reception areas that create a warm, welcoming first impression.
• A dedicated family suite offering a private, intimate space for loved ones.
• Well-appointed meeting rooms designed for planning funeral and cemetery services.
• A Java bar where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments.

“Cedar Hill Funeral Home and its cemeteries have been a central part of this community for more than a century,” said Sheria Jennings, funeral home manager, Cedar Hill Funeral Home. “These renovations show our commitment to this area, providing comfort for families during their times of need.”

About Memorial Planning

Memorial Planning, the parent brand of Cedar Hill Funeral Home, is a family-focused network of cemeteries and funeral homes, offering personalized end-of-life services. With over 450 locations, Memorial Planning providers proudly serve over 66,000 families a year.

Visit memorialplanning.com to learn more and for a list of locations.   

About Everstory Partners

Everstory Partners’ mission is to create supportive spaces where individuals and families can find solace, meaning, and hope in the midst of loss. Since 1999, the company has grown to include 463 cemetery, funeral, and crematory locations serving more than 65,000 families a year across the United States (including Puerto Rico) on both a pre-need and at-need basis. Everstory is the brand promise, created in April 2023 to destigmatize death care with a unique blend of long-standing traditions of caring for the deceased with a fresh perspective that death is a natural and beautiful part of the human experience that should be planned and celebrated.

Visit everstorypartners.com to learn more and memorialplanning.com for a list of properties and contact information.