Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
James D. Gilkesson
IL Licenced Funeral Director & Embalmer
James is a member of St. Paul Baptist Church where he is involved with the Ushers ministries and a board member of The Pier . He is a husband of over 20 years and proud father of three. James is also an active parent with the Tri County Urban League's TSTM parent group and member of the Guild. He is an active member of the Peoria Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and also the Henry Brown Masonic Lodge #22. James is a proud Alumni of the North Carolina A & T State University and a graduate of the Carl Sandburg Mortuary Science Program, where he has been a board member for the pass 10 years. James is a member of the Peoria Branch NAACP, where he was a past board member and pass chairman of the Freedom Fund Banquet. He is a past President of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association District #8 and currently serves on the Board of the Business PAC of Central Illinois.
Contact @ [email protected]
Cynthia Parker Gilkesson
IL Licenced Funeral Director & Embalmer / IL Licenced Insurance Producer - Life Insurance
Cynthia is a member of St. Paul Baptist Church where she is involved with the Women of Courage ministries. She is also an active parent with the Tri County Urban League's TSTM parent group. Cynthia is an active member of the Nu Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a proud Silver Soror (Over 30 yrs). Cynthia is also a member of the Silver Star #74 Order of the Eastern Star. She is a member of the North Carolina A & T State University Alumni and also a proud graduate of the Carl Sandburg Mortuary Science Program. Cynthia also received her life insurance license through the State of Illinois and has received training for preplanning through the NFDA.
Contact @ [email protected]
Florence L. Gilkesson
Administrator
Explore Our Location
See where we are located.