This very old cemetery dates back to 1873 when it was established by Nicholas Pettiford who sold it…read moreas a one-acre tract of land he inherited. By 1880 some 160 families lived in Oberlin Village, named in tribute to the Ohio college that supported education for Negroes. [Not my word - see the nearby historical marker. -Bruce] The cemetery remained active until it reached capacity in 1971. It is an interesting walk. There are some 660 interred individuals here, a testament to the resilience of the African American community in Raleigh and is a reminder of the city's largest freedmen's community. You will find access from Oberlin Road. Look for the historical marker. The cemetery is behind the office building and there is parking. The cemetery is not handicapped accessible. [Review 2462 of 2024 - 3917 in North Carolina - 23474 overall]

The City Cemetery of Raleigh (lately called the Old City Cemetery) was authorized in 1798 as…read moreRaleigh's first burying ground. Originally laid out in four equal quarters, with the northern two quarters reserved for residents, the southwestern quarter for visitors and the southeastern quarter for Negroes, both free and slaves. Enlarged a couple of times, it was enclosed by a cast-iron fence to keep straying livestock away. The straying livestock are gone but the fence and the graves remain. Very uneven ground but historic and interesting. Many of Raleigh's first residents are interred here including governors, mayors, politicians and even the Scottish and English stonemasons who helped build the nearby State Capitol. Worth a look. There are trash bins around, so there is no excuse for litter. [Review 12487 overall, 2276 of 2019.]

I can not thank Andy Wheeler and the staff of his company enough. From the moment we entered the…read morehome, to arrange for my grandson Austin John Pages funeral, we were treated with the utmost of care and respect. Andy had all the right answers and covered every detail courteously , with compassion and total professionalism. Andy responded to our every concern and wishes and took the utmost of care of our beautiful baby. I will never be able to truly thank Andy and the staff enough for such a magnificent job. And would endorse the use of their services to everyone. Thank you Andy

We recently lost our mother and it was very important that we honored her with services that…read morereflected how amazing she was. Andy and his team at Clancy Strickland Wheeler helped us make that happen. From the moment of her passing, Andy was there to guide us through all of the steps involved in this otherwise very overwhelming process. He and his team were kind, attentive, and professional. Andy was always very responsive via phone/email; he provided invaluable advice and recommendations; and he coordinated with the relevant vendors and church to ensure all of the services were conducted in a manner that was timely, organized, and aligned with our wishes. The Funeral Home, where we held the visitation, is a beautiful building, with a layout that feels clean and open and is tastefully arranged and decorated. Andy and his team helped us to present a gorgeous slideshow and fill the space with many pictures and flowers. We couldn't have asked for a better space in which to honor our mother. The next day, Andy and his team transported all of the relevant items to the church for the service -- which they were instrumental in coordinating -- and afterward, to the space where we held the reception. Following the services, Andy followed-up with us to facilitate the remaining tasks we had to complete. Overall, I highly recommend Clancy Strickland Wheeler without reservation. There is not a negative thing I could say about the services they provided. They were exceptional. We feel very lucky that we were able to work with them; I can't imagine how difficult this process would have been otherwise.

Memorial Day at a National Cemetery. Profound. Awe-inspiring. Sad. Probably the smallest of the…read morenational cemeteries I've visited, but no less overwhelming in the magnitude of what it represents. It's a beautiful setting, with the magnolias and weeping willows shading the rows of white crosses. The sense of history with the markers from the Civil War, Spanish American War, up to and including the Iraqi war, are sobering. It's a peaceful and serene setting to honor the reason for the holiday.

The woderful staff at Renaissance handled all the arrangements when I lost my mother in 2023 and my…read morefather in 2025. Caring, sympathetic, professional guidance for me as I made difficult decisions. I won't go anywhere else when the need arises again. Lisa Piratzky

When you are having the very worst day of your life, then you want to make sure you have…read moreRenaissance's number. We were at a complete loss this morning when my father passed this morning and this place was recommended. We called them from the beginning they immediately showed professionalism and kindness. When Mark first showed up he was so kind and made us as comfortable as possible in this situation. When we showed up for our appointment we met Heather who shared our grief and was so very patient and kind and walked us entirely thru a painful process. They go over everything without trying to sell you something. They treat you humanely and offer an Eco-Green burial option. When my time comes I know I can count on Renaissance to help with my burial service.

It's a genuine pleasure to write this review. We recently utilized Bryan-Lee Mortuary in Raleigh…read moreto facilitate the burial of my Mother. There was a viewing here in Houston, then travel via Air to North Carolina, and lastly auto transportation to Wake Forest to bury. Through Bryan-Lee of Raleigh everything went without any issues! The average person will most likely be distraught when trying to arrange for burial or cremation. Fortunately for us, Bryan-Lee Mortuary in Raleigh has an extremely helpful staff. They set up everything for us with minimal efforts on our part. So, we could do what we needed to do, grieve and support with family and friends. Justin, Maria, Ed and the whole Bryan-Lee crew were in a word: Exceptional. Not only did Justin let us know everything that was going on in the process; he also handled any issues that came our way. Every time I called, Maria answered the phone! It was nice NOT talking or pushing buttons through an auto-attendant... Although I sincerely hope I do not have to utilize their services in the near future, but if I do, I will be returning to Bryan-Lee Mortuary in Raleigh in the future.

While it feels a little weird to review a funeral home, I want to share my family's positive…read moreexperience with Bryan-Lee. I hope this will help others who don't know much about planning funeral arrangements (as my mom, brother, and I did not), and perhaps it will lighten their burden a bit. My dad passed away two weeks ago. We did not make arrangements in advance because while we knew his terminal cancer was going to end his life, we could not anticipate it happening three days after the doctors told us there was nothing more they could do. So we were in quite the bind at UNC Hospitals at 2 AM when we had a body and no idea what to do from there. We were interested in a place near downtown Raleigh, and Bryan-Lee was referred to us. Do not let its Wake Forest Rd. address throw you off. It's located just past where Wake Forest Rd. and Person St. downtown turn into each other (near the Krispy Kreme). In fact, Bryan-Lee is located in the Historic Mordecai district, in an historical home, which my dad would have really liked. Bryan-Lee handled everything with ease: They made the arrangements with the hospital to pick up my dad's body. They handled the cremation as well. They gave my mom a financial information packet about handling bank accounts and the steps to take after losing a spouse. They gave us all of the instructions for writing an obituary. They submitted our piece to the newspapers we requested. One of them was a paper in South Carolina, where I grew up. Andy from Bryan-Lee e-mailed me the day after Dad's obit ran to tell me that he had called that paper after he noticed the online article did not contain a picture of my dad. They assured him that the print version did run the photo, and he wanted to be sure to write that to me before I looked and got upset. Attention to detail, consideration, and customer service like that made Bryan-Lee a great business to work with. The space itself, where my family held a visitation, is lovely. It reminded me of a country club and living room at the same time. By that, I mean it is formal and classy while also comfortable. There were chairs and sofas around the room (which was very large). They have a way to play music if you bring some (though we chose to play it from my brother's computer). They provide ample tissues, mints, and water. They also direct guests arriving to the proper room, take their coats, provide empty boxes so we can take flower arrangements home, handle all of the paperwork required, and other things I'm sure I did not notice. Overall, my family was very pleased with Bryan-Lee Funeral Home. They are friendly professionals who really make you feel safe and welcome when you are otherwise feeling sad, confused, and in a vulnerable position. I recommend them to anyone in need of their services.

I cannot express how grateful I am for City of Oaks Cremation during the most devastating time of…read moremy life. My 31-year-old son unexpectedly passed away, and from the very first phone call with Olivia, I felt a sense of comfort and care that I truly needed. Her gentle voice, compassion, and patience meant more to me than words can describe. She took the time to explain everything clearly and never made me feel rushed or overwhelmed. From beginning to end, she handled every detail with such kindness and professionalism, making an unbearable situation just a little bit easier to get through. The team did an absolutely beautiful job preparing my son for the family viewing--he looked peaceful, and that is something I will carry with me forever. I also had the honor of meeting the owner, Edward, who was incredibly kind and comforting. You can truly feel that this is not just a business, but people who genuinely care. I will never forget the compassion they showed my family. I highly recommend City of Oaks Cremation to anyone in need of their services.

Excellent And curious Service. Thank you for all you do. Staff are very helpful. you are needed and…read morewelcomed in our community.

Very unprofessional directors. After our daughter's passing the would not return phone calls. Had…read moreto drive there to schedule a meeting to discuss the death certificate and select an urn. Was contacted by the Funeral Home Manager, Ryan. I explained to Ryan that I had just lost my child. I was very emotional as was hoping that I wouldn't have any additional stress to deal with. As with all businesses things fall through the cracks. Ryan called me and was very apologetic knowing that it is hard to lose a child. Bright Funeral Home was very gracious and all my needs were fulfilled.

We have used Bright's for years, my dad, papa, granny, uncle, great grandfather and more. I can…read moretell the Brights have sold out. Since the 1st encounter with Nicole I have felt rushed and only talking about money. 1st encounter we asked for a moment and she followed us into the room and tried to stand their while we were talking we had to ask her to leave the room. We had already said something to Tommy and she seemed better last night until at the wake she interrupted us to have us sign another document that could have been done when we got there or after. She seems to have a fake demeanor and just how she speaks to family it seems condescending. When they dropped the stand and chairs off at the house not one word was spoken by her or the gentleman helping her. They make you fill out the obituary on your own instead of asking infor to do it. I have been to several services in the last 2 years and the funeral home didn't rush you or make you fill your own stuff out. Then today it was just rush rush rush and when the service at the chapel was over we waited 20 mins for the cop to arrive (I know they can't control the cops). But while we were waiting no one seemed to know what was going on this one didn't know where they were going another one had to get her phone how can they not know where the hell they are going?!?! When we got to the grave side they hadn't even had the service and she was asking do you want to stay for the casket to be lowered. I have NEVER at any funeral that I've been to been asked or seen that. I said yes. They didn't even wait for friends to leave and started lowering the casket then proceeded to have the dirt truck pull up getting ready to unload it. I didn't say we wanted to see dirt put on her and they tried to say we requested it. Who would request that!!! Why do you not at least let the family speak to the guests before doing that. When Tommy and Randy ran things it was nothing like this. For my dad's and papas we stood around talking and they didn't rush anyone they said take your time. Family could talk to people who attended before being rushed out of the cemetery because they want to leave. So unprofessional, with EVERYTHING. I do not recommend any one use them. I have no words for how I feel I am ashamed that I picked them for the amount of money they charged and how this was done is terrible. I already had to deal with the sudden loss and to be rushed is unreal. I would advise anyone to use someone else. I've heard Lancaster's is good. As for me and my family and friends we will never use Bright's funeral home again. I will make sure to let everyone I know or meet know how this place is now. After I called and left a message for Betty Bright to call me back, the manager Brian called me, he said it is normal to ask family at graveside what they want to watch. I thought a funeral was planned out from start to finish why was this not discussed all he could say was I am sorry we didn't meet your expectations. I told him I would be talking to Betty, Randy and Tommy.