About Us

What we stand for

Our promise

Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.

Dignity

Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.

Guidance

Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.

Legacy

Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.

Our story

In the mid 1800s, Frank Berry was a skilled and capable bricklayer. He helped build the Meridian City Hall, the courthouse, which is presently in use, the old city and county jails and many other local business buildings. He also worked on the court house in Livingston, Ala. Unfortunately, while Berry was working on the three-story Citizens Bank Building, the scaffolds collapsed and he fell to the ground sustaining a permanent crippling injury to his right leg.

In 1882, he saw a need for a funeral home to give full-service to the black community. Prior to that time, black citizens had to go in and out of the back doors of white funeral homes with their loved ones. Thanks to Frank Berry, Blacks could proudly use the front doors and get proper service. After Mississippi required a license to embalm, he became the first licensed black embalmer (copy of license #64 shown in gallery) and established the first black funeral home at 2513 Fifth Street in downtown Meridian, Miss.

42K+

Legacies Honored

142

Years in Business

1M+

Moments Remembered

Meet the team

Our incredible staff

Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.

Robert Kennedy, Jr.

CEO & Co-Owner - Funeral Director

Esperanza Kennedy Sullins

Co-Owner - Funeral Director

Geraldine Trotter

Secretary - Funeral Director - 62 years of service

COL Palmer Sullins Jr.

Board Advisor - 37 years

Jeff Brooks

Funeral Director - 52 years of service

Ethel Clark

23 years of service

R.L. Clark

10 years of service

Jeffery Dubose

33 years of service

Vanessa Dumas

5 years of service

Larry Edwards

9 years of service

Charles Goodwin

Funeral Director - 57 years of service

Karen Griffin

Pre-Need Counselor - 7 years of service

Larry Hardaway

4 years of service

Wanda Hearns

32 years of service

Willie Jefferson

4 Years Service

David Johnson

Mortician - Funeral Service Director - 23 years of service

Areon McCraven

4 years service

Bonnie McCree

3 year service

Cynthia McKenzie

Secretary Assistant - 4 years of service

Anthony Patton

3 year service

Karsten Taylor

8 years of service

Don Tinsley

3 years service

Yvette Quedado

Administrative Assistant - 7 years service

Jahylun Womack

9 years of service

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Our Locations

A place of healing

We welcome you to explore the Berry & Gardner Funeral Homes facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.

Explore our locations

We're here for you

We exist to serve the unique needs of every family

Explore our services

Seamless Arrangements

We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.

Unique Funerals and Tributes

Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.

Around the Clock Support

We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Reviews

Hear from the families we've served

See all reviews & testimonials

“They r good people u can trust”
Author: Vinnie Pringle rated with 5 stars

“I love Berry & Gardner and we have used them for all of our family needs.”
Author: Conchetta Gibson rated with 5 stars

“Most professional funeral service in Mississippi. Proudly Black owned and operated.”
Author: J. Barksdale rated with 5 stars

“Professional Service.!! Affordable prices. Wonderful staff of people.”
Author: Tina Howell rated with 5 stars

“5 Stars! Wonderful Staff and Great Service!”
Author: Seren Dipity Amy rated with 5 stars

“Excellent funeral services.”
Author: Rebecca Sims rated with 5 stars

Associations & Awards

Honoring excellence

We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.

Berry & Gardner is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.

Plan Ahead

Plan for the future, today

Pre-planning lets your loved ones focus on honoring life instead of hashing out details. Learn the choices you can make now, so a future funeral becomes more of a celebration than a burden.

Start planning online

Request your free guide