Death, Dying, and Matters of The Heart are significant now more than ever before most folks. COVID-19 has left the world grieving without closure. Yet, we all must continue going on without our lost family, friends, and loved ones.

We send your family’s condolences amongst those experiencing extreme loss of any kind, COVID-19 related or not. The overarching prayer is that you allow God’s blanket of love to cover your body, mind, and spirit, today and forever.

Loss in basic terms regardless of level (car, home, keys, money, etc.) can be devastating, but when a funeral home is involved, it hit’s a little different. There’s no turning back from tomorrow, next week, year, and forever; And this is true for an entire community. This week in the HOT-Seat is someone who works with families in crisis every day, providing professional service and hope for a future. He’s the bridge between the living and the dead. Don’t miss this one because it involves us all.

You cannot buy a ticket to this table, but if you are reading this; you have a divine reservation with your name on it. CLICK HERE to RESERVE A SEAT.

Three Books You Should Read:

1. Enduring The Call: A 14-Day Encounter, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

In the HOT Seat

Palmer L Dupree, Sr., General Director and Funeral Director at Long & Son’s Mortuary Service. located in Charlotte, NC. Mr. Palmer is responsible for the overall funeral experience; they (funerals) are essential for grief, healing, and loss. These gatherings create unforgettable memories of loved ones, both living and gone on to be with the lord. Traditionally, It’s a particular time where everyone gathers from far and near to pay tribute. Memories from these events should live on forever.

Today, because of COVID-19 and social distancing, so many of us have had to say good-bye to our loved ones over a Zoom call or attend services wearing masks, unable to embrace in hugs. The African-American community has been the most challenging part of these kinds of losses—the pains associated with closure and the lack thereof.

On Death and Dying; Matters of the Heart

It is true that death and dying may be morbid but deserves attention and discussion; If you are reading this, even you have a date with GOD, you cannot pray or talk yourself out of it. With that said, let us explore what happens when you contact someone like Mr. Dupree or find yourself involved with a funeral home because you have lost a loved one.

Long & Son’s Mortuary

Long’s Mortuary, established in 1947 in Charlotte, NC, was managed by Lem Long, Jr. and Beamon Long (his uncle). One year later (1948), It became Long & Aery Funeral Home, and three years later went back to the name “Long’s Mortuary.” By 1958 (10-years later), Longs Mortuary relocated again to 2312 Beatties Ford Road, where it remains today. It’s a beautiful facility that is extremely professional.

By 1971, Long’s Mortuary morphed into Long & Son’s Mortuary Service (Mrs.) Eddie Vaughn Long, wife of Lem Long, Jr., and their son, Lem Long III, joining their team.

Long’s is a family and black-owned and operated business while serving Mecklenburg County and the surrounding areas.

1st Fleet

Current Fleet

Are You Interested in Becomming a Mortician?

In most U.S. states, Morticians need a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in mortuary science, but depending on the establishment, they may prefer those who have earned a bachelor’s. To become a funeral director or an embalmer, you must become licensed; However, you have not completed one to three years of experience at a licensed funeral home.

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Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or to get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary, or with the Urban Academics staff. Ask away and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible.