Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home — Local services in Jackson

• EXTREMELY LONG POST ALERT** If there was a way to give this funeral home less than one star, I would gladly do so. I have never been so frustrated and disappointed with services received from any business as I was with this funeral home. I encountered the representative, Caleb when he arrived to my family members home to pick up her mother's remains following her passing. Nothing stood out negative or positive about him at the time but at the time I really wasn't paying attention. An appointment was made to meet at funeral home on Monday to begin final arrangements for my aunt. On Monday, myself and several immediate family members of the deceased, met with Caleb(sorry, can't remember his last name but he was a young black male) to begin planning what I thought would be my aunt's HOMEGOING CELEBRATION. From the moment he began speaking, I knew we were going to have problems. He appeared helpful but SLICK at the same time, kinda like someone that was trying to "get over". I must admit, my family and I had already been warned that Westhaven Jackson, MS branch, was going to "tear our mouth out" and they did not disappoint. We went in with a policy but still left out OWING THE FUNERAL HOME, even after he tried to convince my cousin that he had "cut her several deals". I was so frustrated after reading the contract, that I asked to meet with Caleb on the very next day. Some immediate changes were then made and I made it clear to Caleb that I was not satisfied and really wanted to find another funeral home but was allowing my cousin to make the final decision since it was her mom. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. So many rookie mistakes that a business of 20 years should never have made were made. I am from Yazoo County, MS and I have planned many funerals and NONE HAVE EVER LEFT ME FEELING AS FRUSTRATED, CHEATED AND DISSATIFIED as this funeral home did. I would NEVER, EVER RECOMMEND THIS FUNERAL HOME to anyone who wants to bury their family member with dignity and respect. The facility itself is old and antiquated, with peeling wallpaper and outdated decor, it does not give off a comforting vibe. And please let's discuss NOT, the Friday before the funeral visitation. There was absolutely NO PRIVACY WHATSOEVER WITH CASKETS/BODIES jammed in rooms together, you had families crossing over into other visitations just to pay respect to their families. It was demeaning and sad. Visitation was supposed to start at 2 and end at 6, but my aunt was finally moved into a private viewing area (after being asked several times) at 4:45 p.m., which means it ended up being a mess. The only positive thing I can say is they did have my aunt visually looking good. A funeral is your last opportunity to pay homage to your family member, it's stressful enough but even more stressful when you are dealing with janky...

Upon initial consultation with Caleb, our interaction was very pleasant. Caleb was very professional and compassionate. The execution of the service was well done. Following the service was when we realized that this funeral home had ultimately dropped the ball. The registry book we paid for in our package was never displayed for the guests to sign and we therefore, were unable to capture the memories of all attendees.

It was not until we left and had to come back that I was given the registry book. Next, we discovered we had never received the large portrait that was to be displayed during the service. What’s worse is that the portrait was never even displayed. We opened the registry book that was never displayed at the funeral home, only to find it contained the wrong date of birth. Prior to getting back on the road to return to or home state, we returned to the funeral home to rectify the situation.

Upon my return, I explained the situation. I was given the portrait that was supposed to be displayed, rolled up like a poster board. The resolution for the incorrect date was to place white out on the date and type over it. Finally, I asked the funeral director Audrey Wiley, if in light of the unfortunate mishaps, and the fact that these mishaps resulted in a loss of memories that can never be recaptured, was there any form of compensation that would be offered. She replied I’m sorry, I didn’t have all hands on deck, it was a mistake there’s nothing that can be done. We were very disappointed and it is extremely disheartening to learn that the care, compassion and concern that was initially shown had gone completely out of the window when it was time for...

To loose a child through a traumatic death was one of the most painful experiences I have ever endured!! The coroner asked, what funeral home do I wish my babies remains to go to? I hesitated , because I read some good reviews and some bad reviews, however I had experienced great service from Westhaven. My spirit led me to Westhaven assuring everything would be okay. From the first moment of planing until they put my baby in the ground. It was nothing but a BLESSING from God. Tina’s favorite color was red, she requested to be buried in a red dress & red casket. I did exactly that!!! At the 9th hour a florist backed out of doing her spray, I called Westhaven, in 20 minutes Mr. Rose called me back and says “Do not worry about the spray, I’ve handled it” when I walked in the room where my Tina was, it almost took my breath away. To learn they had a in house flower shop all alone was very very helpful. The staff were adorned in their red for the funeral. They showed up and showed out for my family, the family cars were really good & clean. Prayerfully no time soon but anyone in our family transitions, Westhaven will be there first call. THANKS...