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SEPTEMBER 2015
FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS
S ec t i on A
By Elleanor Davis Starks, CFSP-CCA,
Founder and Executive Director of the 100 BWFS, Inc.
defined the embalming process by allowing the return of loved ones so
families could mourn and have a last look at those lost in battle. Our pro-
fession is demanding and respectful. The 21
st
Century licensed funeral
director and embalmer must pass national and sometimes state board
exams to serve the public. Mortuary training schools and educational
seminars have been developed. Around the nation training has taken
place at Clark’s, Welch School of Embalming, Dr. Renouard’s Training
School, Eckels, Landig, American Academy McAllister, New England In-
stitute, Pittsburgh Institute, Worsham College, Barnes School, Cincinnati
College of Mortuary Science, Kentucky School, and Atlanta College to
name a few. Some of these historical training grounds have been re-
placed with newer institutions, while others just closed down over the
years, but the training lives on in the lives of great funeral legends.
The 100 Black Women of Funeral Service Organization, founded in
1993, is proud to present the
2015 Academy Awards of Funeral Ser-
vice Honorees
. The St. Louis Distinguished Honorees will be presented
Sunday, August 2, 2015 during the 78th Annual Convention of the
NFD&MA, Inc. These honorees have led by example in their communi-
ties and are great role models and trailblazers in the industry. While
each owner and firm is unique, all have set high standards of service
and professionalism while being committed to serve their families with
distinction regardless of the circumstances
they encounter. Their dedicated work
ethic speaks volumes and each journey is
unique. Each honoree brings years of ex-
perience. They pay homage and respect
honoring those who paved the way for
them. Legendary funeral directors of the
past who opened the doors, and aided by
sharing knowledge and professional skills,
taking the honorees successfully into their
professional business ventures and leading
them down the road to a unique success in
the funeral industry.
Who’s Who
in Funeral
Service
Throughout history the funeral service
profession has played an important role
in our lives. Dating back to the Egyptians,
Greeks and Romans servicing the dead was or-
ganized. From the high priest who selected the finest balm leaves for
preparation of their dead, the laying out of the body by earlier civiliza-
tions, to the most important events surrounding the Civil War which
William C. Harris, Jr
William C. Harris, Jr.
William C. Harris Funeral Directors &
Cremation Service, Saint Louis, MO
William C Harris, Jr.
CFSP, a native of the St. Lou-
is metropolitan area, began
his tenure in the funeral pro-
fession at the age of twelve.
He was hired at the
Ellis Fu-
neral Home
in February of
1977 under the guidance of
his Godfather,
Theodore V.
Foster, Sr.
and
Mr. Fulton
E. Culkin.
In 1981, Har-
ris went to work at
Ted Fos-
ter & Sons Funeral Home.
Upon graduation from high
school in January 1983, he
was given an opportunity to become a licensed funeral di-
rector by taking the state required exam for funeral directing
tional credibility and expertise to her position.
Keeney is passionate about death education and un-
derstands the important role the National Museum of
Funeral History plays as a safe and neutral environ-
ment where the topic of death can be explored.
“My personal goal is to shed light on the reality of death
and loss,” Keeney said. As a death-education advocate,
Keeney’s message extends beyond her profession to the
greater responsibility of educating the general public and
helping bring a change to society’s perception of death as
a “taboo” or “scary” subject. “I’ve taught my four children
that life is precious and loved ones are finite treasures,”
Keeney said. “Now, I have to bring this message to the
public at large and I know this degree will enable me to
be even more effective at doing just that.”
Keeney is a proud professional and personal advocate
for the Museum and truly believes it is an educational
and cultural resource for all who visit its extensive array
of permanent and changing exhibits. “Her knowledge
and experience are incredible assets to the Museum,”
Boetticher said, “as she is a natural educator and is always
striving to attract to the Museum the respect it deserves.”
Beyond Keeney’s role at NMFH, this active personal-
ity is undoubtedly a master in time management, as she
juggles a multitude of additional responsibilities, includ-
ing a second career as a nurse at a local veteran’s hospital,
as well as mother of four and grandmother of two. Plus,
Keeney is still a student, currently pursuing a Master’s
President of the
National Museum of
Funeral History Receives
Prestigious Degree
in Business Administration
while continuing to ful-
fill the Museum’s mission,
and serve the community
through volunteer work.
The National Museum
of Funeral History houses
the country’s largest col-
lection of funeral service
artifacts and features re-
nowned exhibits on one
of man’s oldest cultural
customs. Visitors can dis-
cover the mourning ritu-
als of ancient civilizations,
see up-close the authentic
items used in the funerals
of United States presidents
and popes and explore the
rich heritage of the indus-
try which cares for the
