About Us
The Memorial Park Difference
Since 1924, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Memphis community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
Our Story
We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family. People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.
1924
Founded in 1924 by E. Clovis Hinds, an entrepreneur, who wanted Memphis to have a place of beauty and peace, where people could visit and feel inspired and uplifted. After a visit to Forest Lawn in Glendale, CA, the country’s first “memorial park”, a cemetery in which no upright markers or monuments would be allowed, Hinds was inspired to create his own nonsectarian cemetery, adorned with works of art representing legendary and Judeo-Christian themes. He was attracted to the idea of “democracy in death,” where there were no monuments to human wealth or pride, no ‘spooky tombstones’, but only the glory of nature and art.
The cemetery beautiful
After returning to Memphis, Hinds sold his Life Insurance business and bought the first 54 acres of land that would become Memphis Memorial Park, now simply Memorial Park. Right away Hinds began to advertise Memorial Park, ‘the cemetery beautiful’. It would be, he said, “a place of lakes and fountains, broad driveways, spacious lawns, beautiful shrubbery, trees and flowers”. The first ads offered a family group of six grave plots for $150.
1930’s
Much of the 1930s were spent transforming Memorial Park into the premier cemetery in the Mid-South. Several features were added to the landscape to enhance its beauty.
1935
One day in February 1935, vision shook hands with genius. That is, the tall and distinguished Hinds met the short, proud Mexican Artist Señor Dionicio Rodriguez. Over the next eight years, their unlikely partnership as patron and artist would produce a treasure trove of folk art in Memphis that to this day attracts visitors from all around the world.
A work of art
Dionicio Rodriguez’s fascinating constructions include Annie Laurie’s Wishing Chair and Rose Garden, The Wishing Well and the Fountain of Youth. The high point of Rodriguez’s work is the Crystal Shrine Grotto, which Mr. Hinds described as the only man-made crystal cave in the world.
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80K+
Legacies Honored
97
Years in Business
4.2M+
Moments Remembered
Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.
Hannah Moore
Cemetery and Funeral Home Office Manager
Hannah Moore joined Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in May of 2011 as a licensed funeral director. She graduated from Northwest Mississippi Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science and has been a licensed funeral director in the great state of Tennessee since 2005 and is a member of Germantown Chamber of Commerce. She serves as a liaison with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is instrumental in serving their bereaved families. Hannah also leads three annual events for Memorial Park; Fallen Heroes Remembrance Service, Mid-South Transplant’s Ride for Life, and Camp Good Grief 5K all of which are held on the beautiful grounds of Memorial Park Cemetery. she has been the trusted funeral director leading and directing funeral services for our local emergency personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice and lost their life in the line of duty. In 2018, Hannah earned the opportunity join the leadership team as the Office Manager for both the funeral home and cemetery. When asked to elaborate on her position, she said: “It is an honor and privilege to support our staff in serving the families of the Mid-South; they work extremely hard to deliver the best and most personalized service in the area. I feel that funeral service, no matter the capacity, is not only a calling, but my true passion.”
Hannah is married to her husband, Eric and they have two daughters, Emery and Ellie; as a family, they attend Crossroads Baptist Church in Eads, TN.
Micheal Gramling
Funeral Home Office Manager
At the core of everything Michael does is a desire to put families’ needs first, and it’s a philosophy that has served our clients and staff tremendously well.
Having joined Memorial Park in 2005, Michael is responsible for ensuring that every service brings honor to the deceased. “The families will remember their experience at Memorial Park forever, so I strive to make their time a positive one,” he says.
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
What Families Are Saying
Went just to see the sculptures but Dionicio Rodriguez his work is amazing. The Crystal Shrine Grotto is really something to see also there is park benches scattered around the grounds.
Author: Wandering Bricklayer rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Profession, attentive to details, patient, knowledgeable
Author: Beverly Alexander rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I recently worked with Mr. Jeff Minton, who was most helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. I am very appreciative for his help and the professional manner in which he worked with me to our mutual benefit, and would recommend him highly. Sincerely, Suzanne Minotto Davies
Author: Suzanne Minotto Davies rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very prompt and courteous in responding to an email, regarding a burial 70 years ago.
Author: Robin Kiser rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I appreciate the friendly and professional staff at Memorial Park Memphis. Kerrie has been so compassionate and diligent in helping me and my grandmother over these past two months during the passing of our loved ones. She made the transition smooth and easy. We are appreciative and thankful for you all.
Author: Lashundra Anderson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Randy, Faye and Isabella took really good care of our family during this difficult time. Most sincerely, Kennedy family
Author: David Kennedy And Family rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.