Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services has been a staple in Baltimore’s African-American community for 27 years. The legacy continues with a renewed commitment to support a new generation of families.

Founded by Vaughn C. Greene in 1996, with the partnership of William G. Miller, the family legacy continues. Vaughn’s daughter, Brittney Greene, MBA, LM, is the Vice President of Operations and Managing Funeral Director. With a compassionate team of licensed funeral directors and administrators, Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services honors the black community and continues to transform services to meet today’s “new normal.”

How have funeral traditions evolved since 2020?

Since the pandemic, our families have demonstrated a greater interest in preplanning, use of technology, have an increased interest in cremation, and desire more robust celebrations of life with family and friends.

From the heart-breaking devastation of the Coronavirus pandemic, our families more often consider mortality and opt to plan ahead.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on our community. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African-Americans have faced hospitalization and death at rates two to three times higher than the national average.

As a result, there has been a growing movement to plan end-of-life care.

Pre-planning ensures that:

• Your wishes are represented after death.
• Your family members and loved ones do not have to make difficult decisions during an emotional time.
• Financial responsibilities are simplified. Pre-planning does not require pre-payment. This is a common misconception that may keep people from planning ahead. 

Technology has played an important role in promoting greater access to information, resources, and opportunities.

Photos can be scanned for programs and posters and tribute photos and videos can be received through platforms such as  iCloud or Google Drive.

In the height of the pandemic and social distancing, families relied on live streaming services to say their final goodbyes. Although loved ones can reconvene face-to-face, we still offer live-streaming to accommodate those unable to travel.  

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how people feel about cremation. Their thoughts may be impacted by religious and cultural beliefs and practices.

Cremation is an affordable, flexible choice.

A common misconception is that when someone chooses cremation, they cannot have a traditional funeral. However, this is not the case. Here are just a few of the many ways loved ones can be honored:

• A funeral with a viewing, cremation to be held after;
• A funeral without a viewing, cremation to be held after;
• Memorial service at the funeral home followed by interment of the ashes;
• Memorial service at an outside venue;
• Scattering of ashes at a location that was meaningful to the deceased

Repasts and celebrations of life are festive occasions.

Funerals bring up a lot of emotion and it can be comforting to join with family in a reception. Sharing stories and support in a relaxed environment can be tremendously therapeutic for all who mourn the loss of a loved one.

With Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, families can celebrate their loved ones’ lives in a picture-perfect venue with delicious food, décor and amenities. Having access to an all-inclusive venue makes families lives easier. By holding a repast at The Pavilion, there’s no extensive travel or parking, preparation or cleanup.

From traditions of the past to traditions of the future, the Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services family are honored to serve Baltimore’s community with the highest standards of respect and service.

About Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services: As a leading local, minority, and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

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