Who is Johnson Memorial?

Johnson Memorial Funeral Directors was established January 10, 1967, by Howard Johnson and his wife, Odessa Pitts Johnson. The firm began in the former Smith & Gaston building at 2531 Ninth Avenue, Bessemer, Alabama. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson worked to establish a funeral establishment to serve the citizens of Bessemer, Birmingham and Jefferson County. Since its founding, Johnson Memorial has met the funeral and mortuary needs of the community and for many years rendered prompt, professional ambulance service.

Johnson Memorial has positioned itself as a leader in its profession by adhering to the highest ethical standards and constant educational pursuits. Maintaining a fleet of classic rolling-stock, a vast array of funeral goods and services, along with modern innovations and advancements, allows us to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our client families. We have been privileged to care for the sacred remains of many in our community. The honor of laying to rest not-only “the common-man”, but also numerous civic and political leaders, pastors, physicians and educators, has been a humbling experience. In 1997, we were afforded the distinction of directing a funeral at America’s most revered burial ground, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

In May, 1997, Johnson Memorial began serving families in its new, state-of-the-art edifice at 2601 Ninth Avenue, directly across the street from its original home. This investment in the community was made to better serve today’s families in an ultra-modern facility. The newer building, with the same-old service, is equipped to meet ever-growing needs. Today, in its second generation of service under the leadership of Howard G. Johnson, General Manager; National Board Certified Mortician/Funeral Director and Stephanie Turner Hughes, Manager of Service Operations; National Board Certified Mortician/ Funeral Director, Johnson Memorial maintains its family ownership and remains at the forefront of its profession as one of America’s leading and most-respected providers of funeral service.

Johnson Memorial’s relationship with the community is sound. Our participation and support of numerous civic, religious, community and cultural endeavors punctuates the belief that “we are our brother’s keeper”.

Johnson Memorial Funeral Directors, Inc., maintains membership with the Alabama Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Alabama Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, National Funeral Directors Association and Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

Fully licensed to meet all your needs, we hold Alabama Board of Funeral Service Establishment License #131 and Alabama Department of Insurance Pre-Need Certificate of Authority #10359.