Page A9 april 2024 By Elleanor Starks, cfsp Founder and Executive Director 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, Inc. Legends of Funeral Service Whether continuing their family’s legacy or taking a leap of faith into the profession, these Legends have become leaders through hard work and dedication to the Funeral Service Industry. As managers, owners, role models and mentors, each of these individuals have an inspired and have used their talents to help others. Legends encourage creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and teamwork. Julia Roberta March March funeral home Baltimore, Maryland Julia Roberta March worked alongside her husband, William C. March, in owning and operating the William C. March Funeral Home in Baltimore. She and her family had resided on the second floor of the funeral parlor originally located at 928 East North Avenue. In 1978, they moved one block from the row house and built the funeral home, followed by another location in West Baltimore in 1985. While her husband, a young mortician made funeral arrangements for the funeral parlor, Roberta handled the day to-day work as the office clerk, the cosmetologist, the dresser, and greeting families. Roberta became known for her signature hairstyle: a large black bun, stylish hats, and stately grace when conducting a funeral. She became a licensed funeral director in 1963 and cared for every family that came through their doors for nearly forty-nine years. The couple’s hard work was a testament to their four children, Cynthia, Erich, Victor, and Annette, who eventually joined them to expand the businesses and continue their legacy, which includes eight funeral homes/life tribute centers in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, and a 155-acre cemetery, King Memorial Park in Randallstown, MD. Roberta and her husband had strong values in giving back to the community they served. Known for her kind and warm personality, Roberta’s involvement in the community included the following organizations: Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of Maryland Inc, Maryland State Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Ladies Auxiliary of Funeral Directors, and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. She served as the treasurer of the FDMA of Maryland and was named the Woman of the Year in 2005 by the Women’s Auxiliary of the national association. On April 18, 2006, Julia Roberta March died after 12 years as a breast cancer survivor. In 2007, her children founded Roberta’s House Family Grief Support Center in Baltimore, a non-profit to provide grief education and support for children and families who experienced the death of someone close. Julia Roberta March has left a great legacy of compassion and healing for grief for thousands. It all began with her love for serving bereaved families in their greatest time of need. Julia Roberta March
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