Traditional and contemporary funeral services in Memphis, TN

Located in a large red brick building atop a hill, M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Stage Road Chapel serves people from all faiths and all walks of life. A long-standing member of the Memphis community, we know and understand the backgrounds and customs that are important to our friends and neighbors.

When you first meet with an M.J. Edwards funeral director, we'll ask questions about your loved one: what he liked to do, what she cherished, how he thought about the world, how she liked to spend time. From there, we create a service that speaks to the unique life of your loved one, whether that's a traditional religious funeral or a contemporary and upbeat celebration of life. You can inspire us with a memory of your loved one, a hobby that grew into a passion, a favorite music genre or a signature style, and we will work to gracefully incorporate as many personal elements as you would like into the service.

Imagine it: From boating to boxing, jazz music to old-time gospel, prize-winning roses to prize-winning roadsters, we take the things that mattered to someone and bring them together to create a singular, heartfelt memorial.

Our team is experienced in planning catered events. Whether it's a breakfast buffet after a morning service, cake and coffee in the afternoon, or a full dinner reception, just let us know what you have in mind. We'll handle food, drink, decor and more. We'll also help you write an obituary, create a multimedia tribute video for the service and assist you in choosing music.

Cremation services

Not everyone knows that there are many cremation options. If you are interested in this increasingly common option, the funeral home team can explain the process and different choices. From a direct cremation without a memorial service to a witness cremation or a full funeral service before or after the cremation, we help you understand this tradition—and handle all of the cremation arrangements.

Planning ahead

At M.J. Edwards, we also recognize that funeral arrangements and associated expenses can be overwhelming. In addition to assisting during a time of immediate need, our funeral directors specialize in working with families to plan ahead. By preparing in advance, you provide a sense of relief, peace of mind and comfort for your loved ones while ensuring your wishes are met and your budget is maintained. A complimentary planning guide is available with no obligation.

Here for you

Our funeral directors and staff are among the most experienced professionals in our business. There is absolutely no request too small or too large when it comes to offering a family exactly what they want.

You're welcome to call us any time of the day, any day of the week for immediate assistance. We also invite you to tour the funeral home and meet our associates. We're honored to help your family at a time of loss or to help pre-plan a funeral or cremation in Memphis.

History

M.J. Edwards Funeral Home has served the African American communities in Memphis for decades. M.J. Edwards Sr. opened the first of three Memphis-area locations in March 1980, along with two associates, the Rev. David Craft and his long-time companion, Evelyn Cooper.

Initially he had one hearse, one limousine and one sedan. The first month, the funeral home on Airways Boulevard handled 12 services. Back then, the average funeral was $795, but M.J. also offered a special $250 package. He wanted to be sure that everyone could afford a dignified service. Today, M.J. Edwards Funeral Home has more than a dozen hearses, even more limousines and a half-dozen sedans at locations in Orange Mound, Southaven and Raleigh—and still endeavors to provide affordable funeral services.

Like father, like son

M.J. learned the funeral business from his father, who purchased a mortuary he renamed Victory Funeral Home around 1950, after moving from Mississippi to Memphis. M.J. and other family members worked to help make Victory a success by providing personal service and compassionate care.

Monroe J. Edwards Jr., M.J.'s son, describes his father as a persistent businessman who was deeply interested in serving his community. He was known for never turning anyone away.

A legacy that lives on

During his life, M.J. created a foundation and made generous donations to Memphis institutions, including Hanley Elementary School (where the library is named after him), Melrose Alumni Association and Beulah Baptist Church. In Coldwater, Mississippi, the M.J. Edwards (Health) Center occupies the spot where one of his funeral homes once stood.

M.J. Edwards Sr. died in 2019, after more than 70 years of funeral service. His legacy of compassion lives on with his funeral homes, and M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Stage Road Chapel, along with M.J. Edwards Whitehaven Funeral Chapel, is now a member of the Dignity Memorial® network.