My loved one had made arrangements with Serenity Funeral Home. We went down there and had to meet with Connie Steele. The Devil Wears Prada in real life. She was very rude and condescending to us. I understand that the funeral industry is not the easiest industry, however kindness, professionalism and grace go a long way. She was very unprofessional. To the point where I walked out because I didn't want to be disrespectful. When dealing with her, things were not organized and lies were told. She treated us as if we were beneath her and rushed us. If you want a headache and unnecessary stress, choose Serenity. If you don't, go to another funeral home in the Roanoke Valley. read more

In November 2023, my sister held the funeral service for my niece at Serenity Funeral Home. The funeral home received donations on my sisters behalf to assist with the service expenses, with one such donation being a check from my church. Once all expenses were covered, the director, Connie Steele, returned the aforementioned check to my sister. My sister made several attempts to cash the check but could not. Due to Mrs. Steele already endorsing the check, the item was viewed as a third-party check and financial institutions refused to cash it. My sister requested Mrs. Steele deposit the original check and simply issue her another check from the funeral home, to which Mrs. Steele refused. On my sister's behalf, I contacted Mrs. Steele January 29, 2024 to ask as a courtesy if she could deposit the original check, as it had not expired, and make out a new check to my sister. Mrs. steel asked to call me back after telling the lie that she needed to look for my sisters file when in fact, during that time, she called my church and had the nerve to ask that they re-issue the check to my sister. Upon her call back, Mrs. Steele continued to be ignorant by trying to make an issue about the time frame in which my sister had the check. This was a irrelevant, as again, the check had not expired. Additionally, she continued stating that all my sister had to do was just sign under her name to cash the check, as though she didn't comprehend that the presence of her signature is the reason my sister couldn't cash the check in the first place. This was very low class, unprofessional and trash behavior by Mrs. Steele/Serenity Funeral Home for inconveniencing my sister with this foolishness at such a delicate time in her life. Mrs. Steele endorsed the check, which then made her the owner of said check. She should've accepted responsibility and simply deposited the original check and issued a new check to my sister, none of which would have cost her any money or inconvenience. read more

I recently had this place handle my father's cremation. Yes they are the cheapest but not always is that a good thing. I understand that deal with the death of a loved one ll isn't the easiest thing to do. And this place was the only place I could afford. But they were very unorganized. And wound up losing my father's personal effects. I am very unhappy. read more

If I could give NO STARS I would!!! Avoid this place. Apparently Rev Steele is allowing Connie to handle the ins and out of the funeral arrangements which will cost them!! Black people will one day realize all skin folk ain't kin folk and start to shop around for quality service. First off price gauging is sinful in itself! I've done funerals in other cities, both larger/smaller than Roanoke a direct cremation does not cost $1400. This is supposed to be a more affordable option for some families and with serenity it isn't. Don't use their Chapel they'll just rush you out of there and not care that you've had attendees travel far to pay their respects only for a 20minute services. If I pay to use your chapel I should respectfully be given enough time to say a proper goodbye. That wasn't the case. Their staff started the service early and forced us to a stop 20mins after beginning! I gave them the order of service and it was listed in the obit however, it was not followed. Connie did not confirm with the payee that she was asked to sing a non paying family member requested her to sing and she made her solo a priority over my family being able to properly digest the unexpected loss. Many of my family members called the service and staff GHETTO and to this day say they don't have closure for our loved ones death. I would not recommend their services to anyone and only after did I start to hear horror stories and notice the many flaws and the pure hatred and prejudice they have against the community. If you find yourself planning a funeral for someone who was a beacon of light and who was respected/loved by everyone they encountered DO NOT USE THIS PLACE!!! This felt like a funeral for someone who was not well loved is the least I can say. I urge you to shop around and don't always think you have to use a company just because they sit in a neighborhood you're familiar with. Roanoke has other funeral and crematorium companies that will be able to provide at minimum the standard funeral service at a reasonable price. The hall they offer for repast is just as raggedy as their standards and service and have the audacity to charge nearly $500 for an outdated venue. The insult and disrespect is beyond me! Do better and shame on you! read more