Testimonials

In April 2023, I faced the heart-wrenching task of planning my mother's funeral. With a legacy of trust that dates back 30 years—my family turned to Bruce Hawkins Funeral Home, just as we did for my grandmother in 1994 and my great-aunt in 2002. My instinct was right; reaching out to Hawkins Funeral Home was the first and best decision during this most difficult and challenging time.

From the initial call, Mr. Edward Gethers (Ed) was the epitome of calm professionalism. He meticulously guided me through the process, ensuring me that the transport of my mother from the hospital morgue to their facility would be handled with compassion and care. Given his attention to detail and empathetic approach, I was informed at each step in this process. His transparent communication regarding pricing and timelines also set a comforting tone for the incredibly supportive and exceptional service that would follow.

Meeting Mrs. Melanie M. Hawkins Tudos (Melanie) fortified my confidence in choosing Hawkins. As someone who values thoroughness – as evidenced by my background as a college professor and certified project manager – I was deeply impressed by Melanie’s informative and patient responses to me and my father’s numerous questions. We left our meeting with a profound sense of confidence in her team’s ability to manage the funeral with dignity and attentiveness. Her approach not only solidified my trust in her management, leadership abilities and expertise, but also highlighted her unique vision and business acumen, which are strengthening and building upon the esteemed legacy of Hawkins Funeral Home.

The respect and care that my father and I received from Melanie and her staff were beyond professional—they were personal and deeply respectful. The professionalism extended to every interaction—phone, email, or in-person—never once did the experience feel transactional. It was clear that we were in the hands of individuals who understood the gravity of the moment and responded with the utmost empathy and attention to detail.

For example, Ms. Linda Brown was equally attentive, offering her expert advice on the selection of my mother’s attire and footwear. Her discerning eye for detail and insights into the finer details of my mother's appearance, from the make-up and jewelry, ensuring to capture the essence of my mother's elegance and the dignity she embodied and for which she was admired. My father and I are deeply grateful for Linda's meticulous attention in choosing the perfect ensemble and for her thoughtful guidance in all the aspects that honored my mother.

The personal touches didn't end there. Melanie's guidance in selecting a casket was both compassionate and informative, taking us through the catalog and showroom with patience and understanding. And the suggestion to have Charlene as the soloist was outstanding – her spirit-filled singing brought comfort and a special touch to the funeral service. The recommendation for Debra as the florist proved equally impressive. The floral arrangements for the funeral were stunning, and her personal delivery of birthday flowers for my mother's grave was a gesture of kindness that went beyond expectations.

The overall management of the funeral service and burial was handed with such proactive and detailed care. Melanie and her team’s coordination with the church and cemetery allowed me and my father to focus on mourning and honoring my mother's memory, confident in the knowledge and understanding that everything was being handled with care and diligence.

Furthermore, Melanie’s management and compassionate oversight were evident and appreciated, not just by me but by family and friends who took notice of the staff's exceptional conduct throughout the service. It's no surprise that Bruce Hawkins Funeral Home was the preferred choice for subsequent family services, leading to their selection for my god-sister’s brother, Ronald Ingram Jr., in May 2023, and my uncle Zacharias Moore's funerals in July 2023. It speaks volumes that in moments of grief, my family and friends also found solace and trust in their services.

Without reservation, I highly recommend Melanie and her team at Bruce Hawkins Funeral Home. Their combination of professional management and genuine warmth provided us with comfort and assurance when we needed it most.

My experience with the Bruce R. Hawkins funeral home was outstanding. Melanie handled my mother’s home-going. Although there is clearly a strong team in place, I felt that Melanie handled every detail personally. She was kind, caring, professional and knowledgeable. In addition her patience and attention to detail- was invaluable and so appreciated. My mother had been ill, however she looked absolutely beautiful and the service was perfect. Melanie’s ability to keep the funeral progressing on time, while being respectful and patient with my sister and I during our last moments with our mother, will never be forgotten. I highly recommend this funeral home.

Dear Melanie and Staff:

Thank you for assisting me and my family during this difficult time. Your supportive and professional manner helped us to achieve and ceremony meeting everyone's needs. God Bless, Celeste.

Dear Melanie:

Thank you for all of your kindness, professionalism attention to detail and love during the loss of my sister. I appreciate you embracing my family, especially Eisa. Cheryl looked beautiful in going home to Father God. You were so comforting to each of us and extended yourself graciously. I am pleased our families are continuing their bond with the next generation. Thank you for taking care of Eisa in the loss of her mother. God Bless you!

Dear Melanie and Staff of the Bruce Hawkins Funeral Home:

Thank you very much for the funeral arrangements for my father, Isaac Hamm. My brothers and I found your services to be outstanding, and much appreciate the care you took with my father's preparation. Everything was done beautifully. We could not have expected more. Thanks again!

It is with high praise that I wish to commend the Bruce Hawkins Funeral Home for the services provided for my mother Lolia T. Thomas that exceeded my expectations. From the moment we met Edward Gethers, he thoroughly and compassionately took us through the process that was seamless from start to finish for ensuring that my mother's home going would be decent and in order and it was!! Mom's body was absolutely beautiful on the the day that we saw her before the funeral! The staff that was at the funeral with Bruce Hawkins at the helm, guided the viewing and the burial with such care, professionalism and timeliness. The pianist and soloist that they provided were awesome. The words that Bruce Hawkins spoke at the burial signifying the meaning of laying flowers on the casket were enlightening, encouraging and comforting. Many persons who attended the service commented on what a beautiful service it was and indeed it was!! Some of those persons present were impressed enough to want to have Bruce Hawkins do their services as well. Thank you to the Bruce Hawkins Funeral Home!!