Second chapel, other key elements to assist grieving families, now open
Suitland, Md. (December 15, 2025) – Everstory Partners, one of the nation’s largest deathcare providers, is transforming its funeral homes to emphasize hospitality and comfort for families.
This weekend, Cedar Hill Funeral Home became the latest Everstory Partners location, under the Memorial Planning brand, to be transformed in this new direction.
“We want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible as they say goodbye to someone they love,” said Matt Sobon, senior vice president of operations, Everstory Partners. “We have researched deathcare approaches around the world, and everything shows our industry needs to focus on hospitality and how we care for our customers.”
Cedar Hill Funeral Home is one of the busiest locations in the Memorial Planning network. Serving Cedar Hill Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, and Washington National Cemetery, the funeral home hosts nearly 1,400 services each year.
“Cedar Hill Funeral Home provides a welcoming and caring space,” said Reverend Jerome (Sam) Tarver, pastor, Maple Springs Baptist Church and emcee of the December 13 ribbon cutting. “More importantly, a haven for peace and hope. It’s more than bricks, mortar, and fresh paint; more than a Java bar or new meeting rooms. It’s about ministry that walks with families in difficult times.”
Throughout the funeral home, the renovations introduce modern design elements, including updated colors, furniture, and fixtures, to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The highlight of the renovation is a second chapel, doubling the existing capacity and now accommodating services for up to 200 guests.
Key renovation highlights include:
- Redesigned reception areas that create a warm, welcoming first impression.
- A dedicated family suite offering a private, intimate space for loved ones.
- Well-appointed meeting rooms designed for planning funeral and cemetery services.
- A Java bar where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments.
“Cedar Hill Funeral Home and its cemeteries have been a central part of this community for more than a century,” said Sheria Jennings, funeral home manager, Cedar Hill Funeral Home. “These renovations show our commitment to this area, providing comfort for families during their times of need.”
About Memorial Planning
Memorial Planning, the parent brand of Cedar Hill Funeral Home, is a family-focused network of cemeteries and funeral homes, offering personalized end-of-life services. With over 450 locations, Memorial Planning providers proudly serve over 66,000 families a year.
Visit memorialplanning.com to learn more and for a list of locations.
About Everstory Partners
Everstory Partners’ mission is to create supportive spaces where individuals and families can find solace, meaning, and hope in the midst of loss. Since 1999, the company has grown to include 463 cemetery, funeral, and crematory locations serving more than 65,000 families a year across the United States (including Puerto Rico) on both a pre-need and at-need basis. Everstory is the brand promise, created in April 2023 to destigmatize death care with a unique blend of long-standing traditions of caring for the deceased with a fresh perspective that death is a natural and beautiful part of the human experience that should be planned and celebrated.
Visit everstorypartners.com to learn more and memorialplanning.com for a list of properties and contact information.
