About Us
The Memorial Park Difference
Since 1924, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Memphis community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
Our Story
We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family. People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.
1924
Founded in 1924 by E. Clovis Hinds, an entrepreneur, who wanted Memphis to have a place of beauty and peace, where people could visit and feel inspired and uplifted. After a visit to Forest Lawn in Glendale, CA, the country’s first “memorial park”, a cemetery in which no upright markers or monuments would be allowed, Hinds was inspired to create his own nonsectarian cemetery, adorned with works of art representing legendary and Judeo-Christian themes. He was attracted to the idea of “democracy in death,” where there were no monuments to human wealth or pride, no ‘spooky tombstones’, but only the glory of nature and art.
The cemetery beautiful
After returning to Memphis, Hinds sold his Life Insurance business and bought the first 54 acres of land that would become Memphis Memorial Park, now simply Memorial Park. Right away Hinds began to advertise Memorial Park, ‘the cemetery beautiful’. It would be, he said, “a place of lakes and fountains, broad driveways, spacious lawns, beautiful shrubbery, trees and flowers”. The first ads offered a family group of six grave plots for $150.
1930’s
Much of the 1930s were spent transforming Memorial Park into the premier cemetery in the Mid-South. Several features were added to the landscape to enhance its beauty.
1935
One day in February 1935, vision shook hands with genius. That is, the tall and distinguished Hinds met the short, proud Mexican Artist Señor Dionicio Rodriguez. Over the next eight years, their unlikely partnership as patron and artist would produce a treasure trove of folk art in Memphis that to this day attracts visitors from all around the world.
A work of art
Dionicio Rodriguez’s fascinating constructions include Annie Laurie’s Wishing Chair and Rose Garden, The Wishing Well and the Fountain of Youth. The high point of Rodriguez’s work is the Crystal Shrine Grotto, which Mr. Hinds described as the only man-made crystal cave in the world.
1 of 5
80K+
Legacies Honored
97
Years in Business
4.2M+
Moments Remembered
Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.
Hannah Moore
Managing Partner, Operations
Hannah Moore joined Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in May of 2011 as a licensed funeral director. She graduated from Northwest Mississippi Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science and has been a licensed funeral director in the great state of Tennessee since 2005 and is a member of Germantown Chamber of Commerce. She serves as a liaison with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is instrumental in serving their bereaved families. Hannah also leads three annual events for Memorial Park; Fallen Heroes Remembrance Service, Mid-South Transplant’s Ride for Life, and Camp Good Grief 5K all of which are held on the beautiful grounds of Memorial Park Cemetery. she has been the trusted funeral director leading and directing funeral services for our local emergency personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice and lost their life in the line of duty. In 2018, Hannah earned the opportunity join the leadership team as the Office Manager for both the funeral home and cemetery. When asked to elaborate on her position, she said: “It is an honor and privilege to support our staff in serving the families of the Mid-South; they work extremely hard to deliver the best and most personalized service in the area. I feel that funeral service, no matter the capacity, is not only a calling, but my true passion.”
Hannah is married to her husband, Eric and they have two daughters, Emery and Ellie; as a family, they attend Crossroads Baptist Church in Eads, TN.
Micheal Gramling
Funeral Home Office Manager
At the core of everything Michael does is a desire to put families’ needs first, and it’s a philosophy that has served our clients and staff tremendously well.
Having joined Memorial Park in 2005, Michael is responsible for ensuring that every service brings honor to the deceased. “The families will remember their experience at Memorial Park forever, so I strive to make their time a positive one,” he says.
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
What Families Are Saying
We just preplanned our funeral and had an excellent experience with Danita Allen-Smith. Not only was she knowledgeable and understanding but also patient with our questions and took so much time to explain and make sure we got what we wanted. Such a great experience and I highly recommend using her!
Author: Jeanna Perry Cantey rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Memorial Park is not only a beautiful place, but the staff there is amazing, they are compassionate and make the grieving process as less stressful as possible when planning arrangements.
Author: Claire Newell rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Danita Allen-Smith was professional, informative and personal. She made our experience memorable and stress free. Thanks for everything!
Author: Shayla Williams rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I thoroughly enjoyed the information shared by Kerri Brakefield.
Author: Daphne Logan rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is the most beautiful cemetery. So much more than we expected! The flowers and blooming trees are gorgeous, and The Crystal Grotto is just amazing! The maintenance/grounds fella we talked to was so nice and helpful! We are so glad we walked through on our way thru Memphis. Such a beautiful, peaceful place!
Author: Kelly Goolsby rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jeff Jean-Louis helped us with some pre-need planning. He was extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. He explained everything clearly and listened to our needs. It was a very pleasant process and Jeff is a large reason why. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for funeral planning.
Author: Vivian Jones rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
1 of 6 1 of 6
News & Events
1 of 8
Join us
We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.