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The story of Huntsville's oldest black business began in 1918. Royal's rich black history is a point of pride for Karen Jones Smith and David W. Smith. The wife and husband team, president and vice president respectively of Royal Funeral Home, Incorporated are the third generation to purchase, own and operate the business. In 2000 the business was purchased by the Smiths'. They are following in the steps of the second generation, her parents, James A. and Barbara, making this the fifty ninth year of family ownership of the Royal Funeral Home. Funerals conducted by the Royal staff have a distinctive Royal flair. The business has served many of the Tennessee Valley's black families. Royal funerals are noted as much for the employees' attire as the pearl white vehicles (less dreary, more uplifting). The men dress in black tuxedos, with black satin stripes down the legs and black bow ties. The women also wear black dresses or suits with distinctive hats. The owners and workers are very much aware of the business' historic significance. It is evident as they talk about the firm's mission statement. It was James A. Jones who came up with the company's motto, "When only memories remain, let them be beautiful."
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United States
