Review of Owens Funeral Home - 216 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027 We came to this funeral home during one of the most painful moments of our lives, simply wanting to lay our mother to rest with dignity, peace, and care. Instead, we were met with cruelty, carelessness, and a complete lack of compassion. The day before our mother's funeral, I received a cold and disrespectful phone call informing me that the service was being canceled because it was going to snow and the funeral director did not want to make the drive. There was no concern for our family, no understanding of the fact that many of us were traveling from out of state. I was already preparing to fly in from Florida. That call felt devastating and deeply hurtful at a time when we were already grieving. From that moment on, it became clear that we were not being treated with empathy or respect. Communication was dismissive and unkind, and it felt as though our grief was an inconvenience rather than something deserving of care. Even basic details were handled poorly. Our mother's obituary was printed incorrectly, with duplicate information, adding unnecessary pain and frustration. The staff appeared untrained and unprepared, which only added to the chaos. All we wanted was a peaceful goodbye. We did not want conflict or confusion. What should have been a single, coordinated day was instead broken into three separate days, the funeral, burial, and repast, forcing us to relive our loss over and over again. The most traumatic moment came at the burial. The hearse dropped off our mother's casket and then drove away, leaving us standing there in shock. We had to call the funeral home and find someone else to transport her to the burial site. That moment was emotionally scarring and something our family will never forget. Saying goodbye to our mother was already heartbreaking. This experience made it far worse and left lasting emotional wounds. No family should be treated this way during such a vulnerable time. I would not recommend this funeral home to anyone. read more

My family chose Owens funeral home to handle services for my loved one, and from day one there were issues with everything. From speaking with Ms. Lilly Owens who is not only rude, but forgetful. My loved ones body was extremely unrecognizable and disfigured. The funeral home was late with getting our loved one's body to the church at the hour THEY chose. We paid for pall bearers and they didn't come with enough men to do the job properly. They didn't come with the programs and when they arrived there were misspelled names on the program. No one should ever choose this funeral home to handle your loved ones unless your loved one is having a closed casket. They get 1 star for arriving at the crematorium on time. This funeral home did not show the care they should have during one of the hardest times in my family's life. I do not endorse this establishment and neither should you. read more

They do exceptional work They're compassionate, courteous and caring They took excellent care of my father when he passed and my family and I couldn't be mire grateful for their professionalism read more

Needs a course in how to communicate with families of the transgender community. When inquiring about our "female" family member's outer appearance, Owen's callously asked if "she" had some "boy in her". Who makes such an arrogant, ignorant, distasteful comment at a time like this? Wondering if he had some "boy" in him read more

Owens Funeral Home was both gracious and compassionate during the very traumatic, difficult, and unexpected death of my son. Rachel provided us with a clear understanding of what we were getting and what to expect from them. She communicated both by phone and email and even eased up a little when the deadlines for printing totally slipped my mind. The funeral director Mr. Smalls and his assistance Ty (who was a friend of my son's so it was very difficult for him as well, but he remained professional throughout) were very very nice and professional and helped to lift our spirits at times. The programs were lovely, as well as the prayer cards, and the thank you cards. The only reason that I am not giving 5 stars is because they are in dire need of an upgrade to the facility and that is all. FYI-My son looked beautiful Thank you read more

I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. It was a leak in the restroom that caused a flood. The place isn't well kept, and the office area is very rundown with a bad odor. The place needs maintenance repairs. Owens funeral home doesn't respect the deceased or their families. Do not waste your time or money on that crappy funeral home. To all those who choose to give them a chance, please make sure that you look over your loved one's facial appearances before paying the remaining balance. My family and I had a horrible experience with our loved one's home going which was a huge disaster. We requested that our loved one be put to rest beautifully with a certain style but they didn't honor our request. We complained in person as well as by email but Ms. Lillie totally ignored us by not rectifying the issues at hand. Mr. Owens doesn't have a professional makeup artist nor do they have a hair care stylist on board. The funeral home director jacked up my loved ones makeup and hairdo. He redid the makeup over and it was even worse the second time. We had to have a closed casket due to carelessness. Mr. Isaiah was careless with the makeup by smearing it on my loved ones upper clothing. He needs to retire because he doesn't know what he's doing with the makeup etc. He took too many shortcuts to save a buck. The makeup products also seem to be cheap. The DVD slide show was missing photos and the television had a line through it making hard to view the photo slide show. The Owens were very nonchalant and disrespectful when these issues were mentioned to them. They lacked professionalism; they're uncaring, and unconcerned about the issues regarding the deceased being in their care. We were hoping to have the best presentation for the public viewing for our loved one but instead it was a huge disappointment. Also Mr. Peter from Quinn's florist shop he sent the wrong colored flowers to the funeral home. The flowers were dying and falling apart all over the place. Mr. Peter said to Ms. Lillie that he would exchange the flowers the next morning before service started but of course he didn't keep his word. It seems like he doesn't have respect for black people or perhaps just their business. If the Owens funeral home doesn't improve with better customer service they will continue to get more negative reviews, lose clienteles, or eventually close down in the near future. The whole dynamics went to sham. This was totally unethical and unacceptable. It's bad enough when you are already grieving but then to have to deal with so many unnecessary issues is absolutely ridiculous. The last image in my head of my loved one is the disgraceful image they presented of my loved one. So sad that things went down the way they did. I wish that I had the opportunity to do it all over because I wouldn't have chosen the Owens funeral home. Choosing them was a huge regret so I'm forced to live with that. BEWARE!!! read more

They're only getting an extra star because Grandma looked beautiful. First thing they refused the casket we ordered so that we had no choice but to order one with them. Secondly they rushed the funeral for them not to be prepared for the burial. They were very inconsiderate in a time where families need compassion. I would not used this funeral home in the future. read more

I would like to first state that it's the soul that is important to god and it is the body that remains behind to be buried. Yesterday was my mothers funeral and Owens funeral home did not handle my mothers body with the care that she deserved. We gave them two dresses to try on my mothers body they put the two dresses on her to wear. The wig we provided was horribly placed. The makeup was terrible very caked on and applied rushed. They were just very flippant and uncaring when we made complaints. They behaved in a way that felt as though they were used to complaints and didn't care. This is just not a place that truly cares about your deceased ones burial. read more

Covid-19 took a lot from my family and we used this funeral home as a way to celebrate her life, unfortunately we chose the wrong funeral home. We paid around 8000 dollars for my mom funeral and we didn't ask for a lot, just a wig and her nail and toes done with a little bit of makeup. Somehow they still managed to get that wrong. They didn't braid down her hair or use anything to hold it down, just plopped the wig on, we bought two dresses and asked them to put the one on the body that would be the best for a funeral only to find that they put BOTH dresses on her and they were both dirty with a lot of white marks on her clothes. The service was mediocre, her makeup was done terrible. This place should be shut down for ethical reasons because no one should have to go through what me and my family went through by choosing this place. Ps: we also paid for death certificates but never received them and we have to constantly call the place (don't answer) to receive read more

The staff is OK but the owner.... Mr. Owens is the most arrogant person I've ever met in business. He is cruel and he is in the wrong business. he should not be working with the bereaved.. i'm kicking myself for not reading the reviews prior to bringing my beloved. Mr. Owens arranged a video tribute then neglected to pay the young lady so she took it upon herself to call me during the wake to discuss prices. He is a disgrace to the human race read more

Horrible place. My gf came here for a friend funeral and she broke down crying cause they did a horrible job with her friend body and make up. I would never ever let them work on my love one. read more

I recently attended a funeral service at Owens Funeral Home. I can say without hesitation that of all the funeral homes in which I've been, Owens was the absolute worse!! The place was a complete dump. The pews in their chapel were filthy and looked like they've not been cleaned in years. The floor/ carpeting was in extreme disrepair and filthy. I went to the restroom, the wall had a dent in it and the light switch didn't even have a faceplate which resulted in the electrical wires being exposed. The staircase that lead up to the chapel was extremely narrow and was decorated with cheap mirrors that gave the impression of a 1970s nightclub. As we're in the middle of COVID, we asked for alcohol wipes for the microphone. Naturally, they didn't have any. We asked if they had any audio/ video equipment for a Zoom or Facebook live stream. Naturally, they didn't have it. I was hoping to download an electronic version of my loved one's obituary from their website. Regrettably, I discovered Owens Funeral Home does not have a website. This is the 21st. century; as a funeral home, how can they NOT have a website???!!! Their mortuary skills were less than adequate which was apparent when we viewed my loved one. It is simply beyond me how Owens Funeral Home is even in business. They appear to take absolutely no pride in their appearance and quality of work. I would NEVER recommend Owens Funeral Home!! If I could rate my review of them with less than one star, I would!!! read more

Owens Funeral Services provided excellent care for the death of our loved one. The programs were beautiful and they provided a tribute to them by creating a blanket with their photograph on it. The organist was wonderful, she not only played, she sang for us too. The facility is very modern and clean and all services provided were top of the line. We highly recommend them. They took care of everything! read more

Over the years I've been to several funeral homes in Harlem when I lived in the Bronx. I've been to Owens a few times and my first experience back in 2014 was good. Then I went back the next year and I remember smelling a very strong odor of pot/weed (I think) during the funeral. I wasn't sure if the door was left open and if it was coming from outside. Then when I walked to the door to get air, a man and a woman came out another door with eyes bloodshot red, reaking of weed and laughing as they walked outside. I couldn't believe how disrespectful they were while services was going on. I figured they must be people that live upstairs. I later learned after the services that man was the OWNER!!! I kid you not!!! But today, was the worse in my experience. My childhood friend (my brother) that passed away was NYPD. His Brothers in Blue came out to pay tribute. I was very grateful and honored by their show of support. So, please when I tell you, this funeral home does not care about the families it serves nor the men and women in Blue that serve our city. All they care about is MONEY and PUBLICITY. As proof, I came across Owens Funeral Home on Facebook, and their employee posted pictures (for publicity at my boy's expense) of the service. I know he's an employee because it says he works there. I am disgusted because in the comments section it's says, "Fucc the police". What kind of funeral home or its staff would be so disrespectful to the families it serves? Not to mention, to the police officers attending. Unreal!!! I am beyond upset and wanted to make sure future families (and police officers) are aware of the lack of professionalism this funeral home shows. I would never recommend Owens Funeral Home! Take your families elsewhere. read more

I agree with the first review.. DO NOT let this place touch your loved one. U will end up even more depressed than when u came there. This is the 2nd funeral I've been to from this funeral home.. FIRST service-was an under 40 year old male. They made him look like he was over 60. Makeup was horrible and he looked nothing like himself. There was no trauma as the cause of death and he still looked terrible. They allowed the family to leave the casket fully open so the mourners could see his full body which I feel they should've advised against. Second service- was a female same age. She looked 60ish and makeup was horrible with big red lipstick. They drew in her hairline and I don't know why, she had a hairline and hair down her back. Then the same crayon they used to draw her hairline they used to draw in her brows. They will make your loved one look like a clown and that will really devastate on top of how devastated you already are. ALSO complete renovation needed in their chapel. Paint was chipping in the pews, leak stains were noted on the ceiling and the chairs were dirty. I expected more because they seem popular. I hate to give the nearby funeral home props bc they aren't professional either and will hit on you while your grieving to seize the opportunity but they will make your loved one look 10x better. Isaiah may not hit on you while your mourning but he will make your loved one look crappy. read more

If I could give this funeral home no stars I would, my first post was deleted. But hopefully my rating will caution people before contacting them to put their loved one to rest. My experience was horrible. read more

DONOT LET THIS PLACE TOUCH UR PRECIOUS LOVED ONE. I went to my neighbor/friends funeral this saturday and I was DISGUSTED by the way she looked just DISGUSTED. Her hair was not done,makeup was tacky n sloppy and her attire was just thrown on her and most of all they plastered this HUGE smile on her face WHYYYYYYY?????. The place was not welcoming at at all, the staff was in the office area just sittin aroung laughing n joking instead of makin sure there equipment was in working order or if the family was ok. Seeing my friend look that way was HORRIBLE. ONCE AGAIN DONOT LET THESE PEOPLE TOUCH YOUR LOVED ONE. read more

I am so grateful for the service we received from Owens Funeral Home. My mom passed away suddenly in October last year. Thankfully our church uses Owens. Mr. Owens spent over 2 hours with us helping to select what we needed to send my mom home in style. She looked absolutely beautiful. Like she was asleep. Her make-up was perfect!!!!! Mr. Owens even sang a solo during the service because I asked him to. His team was professional and attentive to all of our needs. I highly recommend this business in your time of sorrow. read more

I needed to make funeral arrangements for my grandmother and Mrs. Owens was amazing in explaining the services and arrangements needed. She walked me through the whole process, prices, and documents needed. She made this difficult time a pleasant one even when my family wanted to change arrangements twice. Would highly recommend. read more

Mr. Owens and staff are an amazing group of people. This is the first time that I had to arrange a viewing and buriel on my own. My dad was a great man and I wanted to make sure I had the best people preparing him for his going away party. Mr. Owens and staff took care of everything for me and they did so with grace and perfection!! I would definitely refer Owens Funeral home to anyone who is in need of one. read more

My family I recently suffered the loss of our dearly beloved father. This was one of the saddest times of our lives and there was no question as to whom we were going to entrusted our father to; no other than Owens Funeral Home. In 2013 we entrusted them with our mother and we were very pleased with the service of Mr. Isaiah Owens and his staff. They successfully accomplish perfection in their work. In both sad occasions they exemplified professionalism, courtesy and compassion. I have recommended their service to others and will continue to do so. read more

I buried my grandfather here a week ago and I was beyond pleased with the services provided by Mr. Owens and his staff. My grandfather was not in the best shape. He died from cancer so he had lost a tremendous amount of weight. He didn't even look like himself in his last months of life. I was very hesitant about the work that would be done because I just felt in my heart I would never see my grandfather in the same way as before he got sick. Well I was wrong. Mr. Owens has a God-given gift because my grandfather looked amazing! I don't know how he did it but he bought my grandfather back to how he looked before he got sick. His face was no longer sunken in, he had put his weight back on him. I'm getting teary eyed just remembering how wonderful he looked. His staff were also so very kind and courteous. His daughter does the programs and since this was the first time I had to do an obituary she walked me through it step by step and was so patient with me being late with my obituary information. Honestly everything was just beautiful. The service was great and professional and everyone complimented how great my grandaddy looked. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my loved ones from now on. read more