Historic Athens hosted their monthly “History Hour” at the Lyndon House Art Center on Tuesday, June 3, from noon to 1 p.m. More than 30 people attended Tuesday’s panel which explored the history of Black funeral homes in Athens.
The event was moderated by Denise Sunta, engagement coordinator at Historic Athens, with guest speakers Shanna Jackson Sheats, funeral director of Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home, and Andrew Clark from Mack & Payne Funeral Home.
“This afternoon, we are exploring a very important part of Athens history — the role of Black funeral homes in our community,” Sunta said. “These institutions have long been pillars of strength, culture and care.”
Jackson Sheats and Clark discussed how funeral homes played multiple roles throughout the 20th century. When ambulances were not commonplace or were barred from the Black community due to segregation, Black funeral homes would use hearses to transport those in need to the hospital.
“My father, Mr. William Jackson, his first job [was] at the funeral home, and that’s actually when he was employed at Mack & Payne before he opened his own. His job was to transport people that were sick,” Jackson Sheats said. “Even if someone had been involved in an accident, they had to depend on the funeral home to pick them up on the side of the highway and transport them to the hospital.”
Black funeral homes also played a pivotal role and were central locations during the Civil Rights Movement.
“They provided financing for the Civil Rights Movement as well and also were just a kind of safety net for the community as well. They were kind of like the mediators between different parts during segregation, during civil rights,” Jackson Sheats said.
Clark spoke on how many of the traditions and customs of burials have not changed much over the years. He stressed the importance of funeral homes to help honor the lives of people and not focusing solely on their passing.
“My team would take them home, celebrate the life. I think you should celebrate the life because I think we, as humans, put more emphasis in death,” he said.
Clark further recognized that changes from advances in technology has made this easier as loved ones can connect to livestreams of the funeral and celebrations.
Jackson Sheats acknowledged false stereotypes about differences between white and Black funerals.
“I think that there’s a thing where Black people, they wait a week and wait two weeks before they have funerals versus the average white funeral, they may have it within two to three days,” she said. “That’s kind of always been a stereotype that I don’t agree with.”
Sunta asked about the legacies of these funeral homes and how they have been able to stand the test of time.
“For Jackson-McWhorter funeral home, I think that just because we have focused on serving and serving the community and actually understanding. Understanding that you have to love the people that you’re serving so that you can serve them effectively and so that it becomes a genuine service,” Jackson Sheats said.
Sunta explained the importance of having a session on Black funeral homes because many do not understand the impact and major role funeral homes play in the community and its history.
“It’s so critical to have institutions that are long standing that treat folks with dignity, especially at a time when things are very difficult,” she said.
“History Hour” aims to highlight the more marginalized sections of history in Athens.
“The purpose of these ‘History Hours’ is to cover the stories in our community that are not often told in ways that are accessible, that are inviting to other people,” Sunta said.
