Barbara Washington, Paradise Funeral Home–Dallas, TX
Barbara Washington was born in Dallas, TX. She grew up at Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church where she was an announcement clerk, choir member and usher board member. Barbara was appointed as one of the youngest members of the Church Trustee Board. This experience proved invaluable to her as she sat alongside church deacons and elders, gaining valuable administrative and leadership skills.
Barbara received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas at Arlington. During the summer of 1983, Barbara went to the Cedar Crest Funeral Home to view the remains of her uncle. Here she met Frankie Washington. They were married October 1, 1985. They have three children, Francesca born in 1990, Frankie III born in 1992, and Barri born in 1997.
After years of dreaming and planning in February 1994, Frankie and Barbara opened the Paradise Funeral Home. Barbara finds joy and fulfillment working alongside her husband and son, while serving as the firm’s business administrator.
Barbara is a proud member of the 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, and Ladies Auxiliary of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association.
Vickie King White, Porter Loring Mortuary–San Antonio, TX
A native of San Antonio, Vickie King White was introduced to the funeral industry in the 1960s at Kelley Funeral Home in Waelder, TX where her mother was employed as bookkeeper. While pursuing a nursing degree Vickie switched her studies and enrolled in the Mortuary Science Program at San Antonio College. As the only female and minority of her graduating class, Vickie was recognized by The Minority Talent Roster as well as the National Dean’s List for her academic achievement.
Vickie had been hired as an organist at the Lewis Funeral Home. Upon graduation and after serving a one year apprenticeship under the tutelage of the late Vernon E. Larremore, Vickie was found to be proficient in both, funeral directing and embalming by the Texas State Board of Morticians in 1985.
After eight years with the firm and following the death of her father, Vickie was offered and accepted the position of Adjunct Faculty–Lab Technician in the Mortuary Science Department at San Antonio College.
After three years of teaching, Vickie accepted a position with Porter-Loring Mortuary. She remains a mentor to students through her involvement in the Preparation and Presentation Team of Porter Loring Mortuary.
Vickie is a member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Alamo Funeral Directors Association, 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, and the Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity. Vickie is also a graduate of the International, Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association University (ICCFAU), where she has received certifications as a crematory operator and as a funeral celebrant. Vickie has served on the accreditation team and mortuary science advisory committee of San Antonio College and has furthered her education at St. Mary’s Univeristy and Texas A & M University at the San Antonio Campus.