Letter from the President/CEO

C'Aracher (CJ) Small, JR. 

President & CEO

Letter From The President

This year marks the establishment of Small’s Mortuary’s 20th anniversary. I founded the business in 2002 with the ultimate goal of providing families with the best in funeral service on the Alabama Gulf Coast.  

It became a childhood dream of mine to own and operate a funeral home. As a little boy I would attend funerals and became curious about the process, pageantry and formality of funerals. My curiosity endured, after college I decided to go to mortuary school. I learned more about the industry and traditions and discovered it was my passion and my calling! 

Through hard work and a humble beginning in funeral service as an apprentice at a firm in Atlanta - I did everything: washed cars, prepped loved ones, met with families, drove the hearse and limo, embalmed, cleaned the chapel – it was a small funeral home so – I did it all and my passion for the business never changed. I returned to my community and established my very own full-service funeral home operation.

With the early mentorship and guidance of my father, C’aracher Small Sr., who passed away in 2008, I opened my first location on Broad Street twenty years ago. There were those in the community who did not believe I would last 20 days let alone 20 years. It was because of people like you who helped to support Small’s Mortuary. And that is why we are still here and celebrating 20 years in the community.

With the faith and support of my mother, Irene Small, and my family who all serve on the company’s board of directors, we find ourselves honored to serve the Mobile/Gulf Coast community in four locations: Mobile, Daphne, Mt. Vernon, and then developed our economical brand Gulf Coast Cremations and Funerals in Theodore. 
In recent years we continued to grow the business with other entities including, the Irene J. Small Family Center – this facility serves our community in a variety of ways,  including: repasts for funerals, visitations, birthday parties, bridal showers, and even community meetings. It is booked and serving the community every weekend.

Through God’s grace and hard work, I have the privilege of leading a team of over 56 local employees. Overall, my ultimate goal is to continue to grow the Smalls Brand into a multi-faceted business serving our community. I am proud to be the sole owner and operator of a Black owned business thriving, surviving and providing employment in our area for 20 years. 
For your steadfast support, I am humbled and grateful. My staff and I are committed to continuing providing the highest level of comfort and service to the families who entrust their loved ones to us every day. We will continue to be an integral part of this community and a proud Black-owned business. I appreciate so many of you for entrusting us as we look back on our 20-year journey and appreciate your continued support for the next 20 years and beyond. 

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