Posted: Feb 28, 2021 / 11:57 PM ESTUpdated: March 1, 2021 / 12:20 AM EST
LANSING, ME. (WLNS) – 64 years later, Riley’s funeral home is still standing. It is the oldest black-owned company in Lansing.
The family business began with James Riley Sr. and his wife Daresa Riley. It was later passed on to their son James Riley Jr.
“I grew up in the funeral home,” said James Jr.
When he was three years old, James Jr. began his work in the family business by handing out programs during church services. Years later, he earned a Mortuary in Science certificate from Wayne State University in Detroit.
“I think it was always in my blood. And I never really wanted to do anything else, ”he said. “It’s also very rewarding to work with families and help them navigate such an important phase in their lives.”
In addition to helping families say goodbye to loved ones, James Jr. says his favorite part is the embalming process.
“You can express yourself through art, and that’s how I see it. Many people die and are not in the best of shape. It is very gratifying that they can improve their condition and present a good memory picture for the rest of their lives, ”he said.
The funeral got busy as people lost their lives to COVID-19. They reduced the capacity from nearly 100 guests to 20. This made it more difficult for families to say goodbye to loved ones.
James Jr. is the oldest black-owned company in Lansing and recognizes the history his family made.
“Proud that it has been in our family all along and I think my parents would be very proud.”
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