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.

Dr. Lori Washington, and her staff were able to turn one of the most difficult days in my life into…read moresomething easier for me to deal with. The professionalism, compassion, and empathy were unmatched. The passing of a loved one is always difficult, when it is your spouse the pain can be indescribable. Dr. Lori, and her staff made it bearable, and for that, I can't think them enough. I highly recommend their services. The cremation, and all related services were handled professionally and expediently, a great value. Thank you.

After the recent passing of my father, I was tasked with taking care of the final arrangements for…read morehis remains. During a very difficult time, Lori guided me through the process with professionalism and compassion. After making sure I filled out all of the necessary documents required by the state, her staff quickly took care of transportation from the morgue, storage, cremation, and getting all of the certified death certificates needed. She even took special requests for locks of hair, separate urns, etc. I would not have been able to navigate all of this without Lori's capable hands guiding me through the process. She made a very difficult time so much easier. Thank you.

The Funeral Home, across the street, was a joy to work with. Robyn personally reached out, many…read moretimes, to assure we were okay. Robyn is clearly a woman who understands the sensitivity and nature of losing a loved one. Her compassion was genuine and well delivered. The cemetery, on the other hand, a complete and utter disappointment. In specific, Bob. He has, in my personal opinion, shown zero emotion, care or sense of urgency (on the customers end). When I call to check the status of my brothers plaque, I am constantly being told about the pandemic and reminded the insurance check was issues two week after our initial meeting. It has now been 3 months, since my loved ones death. Yet, no plaque has been issued. I can't help but wonder, if there is some physical/personal reason as to why this hasn't been taken care of, in a timely manor. I understand there is a production lead time, which I was originally told to be a few week, again, we are now at a few months... I am also well aware that the climate of the world has lead to an influx of demand for services, such as these. None the less, we are almost a full year after the pandemic has begun. Where a majority of businesses have adjusted accordingly. Reiterating from the above, the process of arranging the payment was done in an urgent and expedited manner, 2 weeks to be exact. Yet the completion of the services rendered is seemingly a no rush delivery. In fact, as we were in the process of grieving, we were sent a letter from a creditor seeking the insurance funds. I am well aware this is a business. One of which, thrives off of capitalizing from those in extremely sensitive and vulnerable mental states. However, when insurance companies have been in touch with you, there was no need for the additional theatrics. It's shameful that money collection is apparently more important than the show of empathy and respect for those whom are depending on their business to be a pillar in the healing process for mourning families and loved ones during their incomparable time of grief. You'd expect a company that is called, "dignity," to actually have some, but that simply didn't prove to be the case. As we are all aware, death is a natural part of life, but the lack of care, with the cemetery, has been astonishing. I could never have a career path, as such, as I feel it innately desensitizes you from having basic human decency. The grounds are well kept and absolutely beautiful, but if you want to be treated as if your deceased loved one doesn't matter, make sure you ask for Bob. He will see to you being another notch on a belt and give you a mini bottle of water as a consolation! UPDATE: The day after this post was made, the plaque was put up. Which solidifies my complaint. The plaque was ready and for whatever reason, we just weren't important enough for it to be done months ago... I appreciate Mr. H, on acting so fast, but I'm Still hurt and disappointed.

Michelle Maddage was a wonderful guide and coach throughout the entire process. Arrangements for a…read morefuture burial is a complex, emotional, and sometimes confusing process. Michelle was so patient with me and made it much easier. I highly recommend Michelle and the team at the Raleigh Memorial Park & Mitchell Funeral Home. Thank you for your extensive knowledge, patience, and kindness toward me, Michelle. You and your team are the best! Sincerely, Karen E.

Services for my aunt were held with professional individuals. We used the separate space for…read moreeating and everything was handled with care. Thank you.

Valencia E. I would not recommend Lea Funeral Home to…read moreanyone. My family member looked horrible. They should be ashamed of themselves. When we left her at the hospital she looked like she was sleeping. When we walked into the funeral home I thought we were in the wrong room.I said that's not the same person I left at the hospital. I wish I could give a rating of "0".DISGRACEFUL!!! Please don't use this funeral home. RUN!!!!!

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.

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences any of us will go through, but the love,…read morecompassion, and care we received during this time for my Mother's services, made all the difference. Stephanie Drake-London. and Eric Wray at Montlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, have truly been a blessing to our family. From the viewing to the interment, every detail was handled with professionalism and genuine kindness. Stephanie, especially, made us feel like family every step of the way and consistently went above and beyond to ensure arrangements were seamless, comforting, and thoughtful. Eric also did an excellent job in his role, and together they make a wonderful team--each carrying significant responsibility with dignity and grace. If you are planning a funeral for a loved one, or even preparing arrangements in advance (as my parents did, which spared us many difficult decisions later), I cannot recommend them enough. Everything my parents had pre-planned was honored exactly as arranged and the process was truly a blessing for our family. To Stephanie and Eric and the entire team, thank you for your compassion, your support, and the care you provided during such a difficult time. We are forever grateful. Shari, Lori, Diana Toney and Richard Goudie

I called about my mother's arrangements. She has Alzheimer's so doesn't remember what she had on…read moreplace. I spoke with Stephanie. She went above n beyond to make sure my siblings and I had all the information we needed. Stephanie was very sweet and showed she understood our needs. She showed great compassion. I could not have asked for a better experience.

If you have not visited the Historic Oakwood Cemetery, you are missing out! I absolutely love their…read morewalking tours. They are held on the first Friday of the month May through September. Tours start at 6:30 and a $10 donation per person is suggested. I have been on many of their tours and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I love hearing the rich history of the people and of Raleigh. The tour guides do an excellent job of keeping memories alive of those who have departed.

Fascinating grounds with lots of historic art and architecture. Lots of history here.read more

Everyone was so nice, especially the brunette and the blonde girls. Would definitely recommend!read more

The gentlemen that came to pick my father in law up, when he moved to Heaven were very nice and…read morerespectful. The day we went to the funeral home to make the arrangements, we meet with someone different. He started telling us, the things he couldn't do, versus, looking for how to make this easier. If my husband and I hadn't already been through the death of 3 of our parents, we may well, have just sucked it up. The guy stated, he didn't think he could get the military funeral detail, because it was a weekend, and wouldn't be able to talk to anyone, until Monday. My husband a 22 year veteran straightened that out in a short order. Then he said he didn't think he could get the grave dug, by Monday, because it was Saturday. The obituary wouldn't be run because it was Saturday. Needless to say, we were upset, and then to have this person, tell us what he couldn't do, instead of trying to look for ways to help us, really frosted our cookies. Now, let's talk about their fees. Astronomical! $9500.00! We didn't even have a viewing, or a car. They transported my father in law from his home to the funeral home, and to the graveside. No elaborate casket, and his vault was very nice and no charge, as he worked for a long time for the vault company. Poof, $9500.00! Highway robbery. We buried my sweet mama in an city, and she had all the bells and whistles even a solid cherry casket, and a vault, viewing and service, and we still came in for $6100.00. If your looking for some peace and comfort in your time of sadness, the guy who helped us, isn't it. You'll do better to go to Crumpler Honeycutt.