About Us
Celebrating life since 1999
As a proud member of the Alexandria community since 1999, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.
Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.
Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
Magnolia Funeral Home was founded in 1999 by Coy Gremillion and his wife, Deanna Gremillion, with a commitment to serving the families of Alexandria, Rapides Parish, and the surrounding communities.
Coy is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and a certified crematory operator. From its original location at 1604 Magnolia Street in Alexandria, Magnolia Funeral Home has proudly served local families for nearly three decades, providing compassionate, professional funeral and cremation services through 28 continuous years of operation.
As the needs of the community grew, Coy and Deanna recognized the importance of creating a larger, more comfortable facility where families could gather and receive the care and attention they deserved. They built an 8,000+ square-foot facility at 7357 Masonic Drive, featuring ample parking, a comfortable chapel, spacious seating, and the amenities necessary to continue providing quality service to the families of Alexandria and the surrounding communities.
Coy and Deanna retired from the day-to-day operation of Magnolia Funeral Home in 2025, but their commitment to Rapides Parish, the surrounding parishes and the families they have served remains strong. Their legacy of caring for families with dignity, compassion, and professionalism continues to be an important part of Magnolia Funeral Home.
4K+
Legacies Honored
26
Years in Business
∞
Moments Remembered
1999
Magnolia Funeral Home opened in Alexandria.
2000
A.W. "Nicky" Middleton became manager.
2005
Alexandria Crematory opened (Alexandria's first and only crematory).
2007
Passing of A.W. Middleton; Jamie Lusk became manager.
2008
Coy received his embalmer's license; Mr. Lusk retired.
2011
Purchase of Center Point Pentecostal Church for a chapel.
2012
Center Point Chapel officially opened.
Today
Masonic Chapel & Crematory opened in Alexandria.
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Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
Richard Allen
Licensed Funeral Director/Lead Embalmer
Jerry Sarpy
Licensed Crematory Operator
Tabitha Parker
Administrative Assistant
Aquilla Killingsworth
Hostess
Coy & Deanna Gremillion
Retired Funeral Directors & Founders/Former Owners
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Vernie Owen Kennedy
Lead Funeral Director
Vernie Owen Kennedy is a dedicated military veteran, compassionate community servant, and man of faith. He proudly served for six years in the United States Navy, where he developed a strong sense of discipline, service, and commitment to others. Following his military service, Vernie entered the funeral industry, dedicating 10 years to helping families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His education at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, combined with his caring and compassionate nature, prepared him to serve families with dignity, respect, and understanding. For more than 20 years, Vernie has been a proud member of the Free Masons of Louisiana, continuing his lifelong commitment to brotherhood, service, and community. Raised in the Pentecostal faith, he carries those values of faith, compassion, and love for others throughout his life. Known for his friendly personality and genuine heart for people, Vernie remains committed to serving his community and making a positive difference in the lives of those around him.
Christy Colton
Front Office Manager/Preneed Specialist
Christy Colton serves as the Front Office Manager and Preneed Specialist at Magnolia Funeral Home in Alexandria, Louisiana. She recently celebrated her first year with Magnolia Funeral Home and is a licensed Preneed Insurance Agent.
Christy believes that serving families during one of the most difficult times in their lives is both a responsibility and a privilege. She approaches each family with genuine empathy, compassion, and a desire to make an otherwise difficult time a little easier. Whether helping with arrangements, answering questions, or simply offering a listening ear, Christy strives to make every family feel cared for and supported.
A resident of Anacoco, Louisiana, Christy is engaged to Ricky and is the proud mother of two children, bonus mom to four, and grandmother to four grandchildren. Her family is at the center of her life, and she treasures every opportunity to spend time with them.
Christy is a member of East Leesville Baptist Church and serves as the Wreaths Across America Coordinator for Hinson Cemetery in the Knight Community of Louisiana. Through this role, she helps honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans by coordinating the placement of wreaths on their graves each December.
Although working in funeral service can be difficult and comes with moments of sadness, Christy finds that the opportunity to serve others and help families through some of life's most challenging moments makes the work deeply rewarding. She considers it an honor to walk alongside families when they need compassion, guidance, and a caring presence the most.
Christy is grateful for the opportunity to serve the families of Magnolia Funeral Home and for the trust they place in her each day.
A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Magnolia Funeral Home facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.
Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.
Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.
Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
“They have moved to a new location 7357 Masonic drive Alexandria Louisiana 71301”
Author:— Ladonna Baxley rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Honoring excellence
We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.
Magnolia is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.
We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Magnolia Funeral Home offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.