Letter from the President/CEO

C'aracher "CJ" Small, Jr.

Letter From The President

In 2002, Small’s Mortuary was founded with the purpose of providing families with the best in funeral service on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Over two decades later, we exceeded the expectations of our community by leaps and bounds.

My childhood dream of owning and operating a funeral home morphed from dream to reality. Growing up, as I attended funerals my curiosity about the process, pageantry and formality of funerals piqued my interest to the extent that I pursued my desire by enrolling in mortuary school. The furtherance of my education in this vein solidified that this was not just a passion but my calling.

Humble beginnings found me working as an apprentice at a funeral home in Atlanta, Georgia. There was no task too menial or too small – I was happy to do it all: cleaning the chapel and the vehicles, embalming and preparing deceased loved ones to be viewed, making final arrangements with families while extending comfort, driving the hearse and limousines. All of this prepared me to return home and bless my community with a full-service funeral home operation that was stellar and one to be proud to use.

Grateful for the early mentorship and guidance of my father, C’aracher Small Sr., who passed away in 2008, I opened my first location on Broad Street in 2002. Some did not believe I would last 20 days let alone 20 years. But by the grace of God and the support of the community, we are still standing.

Fortunate to have the indelible faith and untiring support of my mother, Irene J. Small, and my family members who serve on the company’s board of directors, we find ourselves privileged to serve the Mobile/Gulf Coast community in five locations: Mobile, West Mobile, Daphne, Mt. Vernon, and our economical brand Gulf Coast Cremations and Funerals by Small’s in Theodore. 

We have continued to grow with other entities including, the Irene J. Small Family Center – this facility serves our community in a variety of ways, including repasts for funerals, visitations, birthday parties, bridal showers, and even community meetings. It remains booked and serves the community every weekend. We are equally excited about Elysian Memorial Park, which is the only completely above-ground mausoleum cemetery on the Gulf Coast. 

Small’s is a Black-owned business that is not just surviving but thriving as we provide service and offer employment in our community. I have been blessed to lead an outstanding and committed staff of over fifty dedicated individuals. With God’s continued grace, mercy and favor, I will continue my journey and goal to grow the Small’s Brand into a multifaceted business serving our community in diverse ways. 

For the community’s steadfast support, I am humbled and grateful. My staff and I are committed to continuing our tradition of providing the highest level of compassion, comfort and service to the families who entrust their loved ones to us every day. We will continue to be an integral part of this community and a proud Black-owned business. We appreciate the trust extended to us as we reflect upon our 20 plus year journey and are enthusiastic and hopeful for continued support in the years and decades to come.