Complaint Review: Mabrie Memorial Mortuary - Houston Texas

I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and used to visit Houston often when I was small. Mabrie Funeral Home has always been the funeral home of preference for outstanding African American persons from all walks of life as far as I can remember. I think what they did regarding the unfortunate passage of the two ladies was above and beyond what almost any other funeral home would have done under the tragic circumstances and they are to be commended for their compassion, understanding, diplomacy and tact. One of my cousins was a chaplain in the military who would assist people with planning their funerals when they would be deployed on a particularly dangerous mission and he used to refer the troops to Mabrie based on this professionalism. I remember how Hurricanes can disrupt lives and families and even entire neighborhoods in New Orleans and Katrina was a killer. The fine funeral service professionals at Mabrie should be thanks for their many kindnesses and at least they should be remembered in the prayers of the relatives of those two ladies who were unfortunate victims of the Katrina Diaspora.

To Whom It May concern, Mrs. Emelda expired in New Orleans, Louisiana several days prior to the arrival of Hurricane Katrina. Prior to Mrs. Emelda passing, she put in writing specific details of what and who she wanted to arrange and take care of her final business at the time of her demise. The daughter that she designated lived in New Orleans, LA. Because of Katrina, she and her family had to leave New Orleans. The daughter that was designated was Mrs. Della and not Ms. Audrey. Mrs. Della expired approximately six days after arriving in Houston. A church that we work with contacted us and asked if we would assist the family of Mrs. Della. We were told that friends were not available due to the circumstances. When Mrs. Emelda passed away, the husband of her daughter and their two children wanted to make sure they completed the business in making sure that Mrs. Della's mother's remains were retrieved and the final Christian rites were completed; particularly, since they did not know how soon things would return to normal in New Orleans. They came in and shared with us their concerns in reference to Mrs. Emelda. They were extremely concerned about her remains being in New Orleans and asked if we could assist with getting her to Houston so they could have the mother's and daughter's service together. The other three adult children never asked questions about the service. The two deceased family members had a very beautiful service at a local church. Flowers, programs, a tribute celebratory video, a newspaper announcement, a rental casket, transportation, and several other services were provided. To this date the three remaining children have not paid for any services, nor have they inquired about cost. Fema nor Mrs. ----'s family has ever paid for any service that was rendered. How could we have ripped them off if services were provided without any payment?

To the family of "Emelda", The family of Mabrie Memorial Mortuary finds no comfort with knowledge that your family interpretted the services you recieved as less than. Our wish here at Mabrie Memorial Mortuary is that at the death of a loved one the survivors especially family and friends will find comfort with the funeral home of there choice. We work hard daily to meet this standard. Audry and family members of Emelda, should you be in need of our services, help, assistance, or frame of thought, you are invited to return to our motuary. Respectfully, Brent Wesley Mabrie