At a time when black businesses face numerous challenges, Garland Brothers Funeral Home in Albany is a testament to resilience and community service. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest African-American funeral home in the Northeast, with a history stretching back to the post-Civil War era.
For nearly a century, Garland Brothers has been a trusted resource for families during their most difficult times.
“We are happy that they are coming back to us,” said Rev. Thomas V. House Jr., who has run the funeral home since the early 1970s. “We offer them the best service possible. No service is too small or too large.”
Led by the late co-founder Benjamin Garland, known as “Papa G,” House continues the legacy of compassionate care. The funeral home is now in the hands of the third generation of the Garland family, who continue to play an important role in their close-knit community.
But the industry faces major challenges. According to Ebony magazine, the number of black-owned funeral homes has declined from 3,000 to about 1,200 since the 1950s due to competition from chains and changing community demographics.
Despite these challenges, the Garland family’s commitment to their community remains unwavering. Their dedication is evident in the experiences of families like Barry Sparks, who praises their professionalism and attention to detail.
As the funeral home soon celebrates its centennial, the family looks forward to continuing their legacy of community service.
“We’ve been here for 95 years,” said Phillippa Garland-Wilcox, an employee at the funeral home. “Five more years and we’ll be 100. That’ll be a reason to celebrate.”
