OUR HERITAGE

Pray Funeral Home was established in 1921 by Ernest G. and Myron E. Pray. This father and son team purchased an existing furniture store and "Undertaking" company. Their business was located on the main street of Charlotte's downtown business district until 1930 when Myron and his wife, Hazel, purchased a residence at 405 W. Seminary Street. This was used as their personal residence and as the funeral home until 1949.

In 1949, the present funeral home was constructed next door at 401 W. Seminary, and the former funeral home was converted back into a residence for Joseph Eugene Pray, who was newly licensed as a Funeral Director that year. The furniture store was sold a year later, and the Pray family's full attention was concentrated on funeral service.

Pray Funeral Home is still an independent family owned and operated funeral home. We are currently in our fifth generation of family members involved in the firm. Our family looks upon our tradition and heritage with great pride.

The prestige of Pray Funeral Home in the local community is built on years of dedicated service to the community. This is a factor in each and every decision we make concerning our services to the community.

As a result, the Pray Funeral Home has been awarded the Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association for our outstanding and compassionate service to the families of our communities. We have earned this award each year since 1989. This is awarded to a select group of funeral directors from around the world who meet the strict qualifications of community and professional service in more than eight different areas.

In 2006 Pray Funeral Home was inducted into the NFDA's Hall of Excellence at the 125th annual convention in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.  The Hall of Excellence, part of the NFDA's Pursuit of Excellence Program, honors firms for their continued outstanding service to families, commitment to the community and dedication to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

Most of the families we serve are from Charlotte and the surrounding communities of Potterville, Vermontville, Olivet, Bellevue, and Dimondale. We are located 20 miles southwest of Michigan's capital city of Lansing.

Our staff is involved in many different forms of service to the families of our community, from Pre-arrangements, through the funeral services, and on through Post-Funeral activities. Our staff members are also involved in many different organizations to help the community.

Our Service Goals are:

1. To help the families of our community through one of the most traumatic times of their lives by arranging meaningful services that depict the lives of their loved ones.
2. To provide support to families beyond the actual funeral services.
3. To support the community of Charlotte as a whole through educational programs, economic and personal support of community projects, and personal and corporate involvement in community development.