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Phenomenal Texas Women

Elleanor Davis Starks's blog

Janice Matthews and Frances L. Okray-Davis

Posted by Elleanor Davis Starks on February 1, 2015

Janice Matthews Dorsey-Keatts Funeral Home and Doris Miller Memorial Park-Waco, TX   A native of Texas, Janice Matthews graduated from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1990. Upon graduation, Janice became a mortician and currently serves as a licensed funeral director. At a young age, Janice became intrigued with the funeral industry after attending picnics that local funeral homes sponsored. Her career began as a driver at Dorsey-Keatts Funeral Home where she is currently co-owner. Doris is also the owner of Doris Miller Memorial Park, which was purchased in 2001. The cemetery was established in 1949. The first burial was that of Doris Miller’s father, Connery Miller and was named in honor of him. The cemetery is located on 16 acres with 12 beautiful memory gardens to serve the Waco community’s needs.   Janice was named Professional of the Year in 2006 by the Independent Funeral Directors of Texas and currently serves as the association’s president-elect. She was also selected Cemeterian of the Year by the 100 Black Women of Funeral Service.   Although Janice loves what she does, she has not had much luck in persuading other family members to join the business. Janice is not thinking about retiring anytime in the near future, but looks forward to expanding her business opportunities. Frances L. Okray-Davis Sandra Clark Funeral Home–Dallas, TX   A native of Dallas, Frances L. Okray-Davis enrolled in the Vocational Occupation Education program during her junior year in high school, which led her to pursue a career in the funeral industry. Her VOE sponsor met with Allen Gene Madison, who at the time managed the Singing Hills Funeral Home, agreed that she could work there part-time while attending school. Upon graduation, she attended the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. Frances continued to work for Singer Hills Funeral Home for 6 years as a licensed funeral director before becoming employed with the Net Clark Funeral Home, an independent family owned business. After the partnership ended between Sandra and Net Clark, the firm moved to its current location and the name was changed to Sandra Clark Funeral Home. As the sole black female funeral home owner, Sandra has been a role model not only for Frances, but countless women in the industry. Frances chose to remain with Sandra to glean from her knowledge. Being in the industry for over 35 years, Frances says “it’s a humbling experience and a true labor of love.”

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