[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 75 (Friday, May 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CLARK-WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Clark-Williams Funeral Home, Inc. of Grenada, Mississippi.
  Clark Funeral Home was founded in 1946 by James and Paralee Clark. 
The business was located at 602 Cherry Street in Grenada, MS.
  As founder, Mr. Clark worked diligently and tirelessly to build a 
successful business until his death in 1958. Mrs. Clark continued to 
operate the business in the same manner until her death in 2001.
  In February 2004, the business was sold to Clinton and Geraldine 
Williams. The new owners made many new changes to the funeral home, 
including its name--now Clark-Williams Funeral Home, Inc. Other changes 
included remodeling of the existing building--adding chapel space, 
updating the prep room, and additional garage space. The insurance 
debits were computerized and a full line of life insurance was added to 
give customers more options when planning ahead.
  Geraldine died in July, 2008. Clinton continued to operate the 
business as sole owner.
  In March 2009, Clinton married Shawan Cunningham and together they 
saw a need for even more changes to the business. In 2010 more land was 
purchased between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and the funeral 
home to add a parking lot for the customers. And to meet the needs of 
their customers even more so, Clinton and Shawan made the business 
decision to offer monuments as products for purchase. A monument 
display was added as part of the new parking space.
  Two students have completed their internships at Clark-Williams 
Funeral Home. Both became employees as licensed funeral directors and 
embalmers.
  Today, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Williams continue to own and successfully 
operate the business from its original location at 602 Cherry Street in 
Grenada. Offering consoling service, quality merchandise, economical 
prices, pre-needs, and life insurance. Clark-Williams Funeral Home Inc. 
serves Grenada County as well as surrounding counties.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Clark-
Williams Funeral Home for its dedication to serving others and giving 
back to the African American community.