History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Our History
On July 15th of 2008 the Strawbridge family was dealt with a traumatic blow that turned into a blessing in disguise, when Stephanie, Roberta, and Barbara were laid off from their place of employment. By July 26th Stephanie’s vision of owning her own funeral business was becoming a reality when they secured their location at 3612 E. 116th. Beginning in October of 2008 the family worked tirelessly day and night to form Strawbridge Memorial Chapel; the first funeral home in the City of Cleveland to be established by an African American Woman.
Our Valued Staff
Stephanie E. Strawbridge, President/Licensed Funeral Director
Stephanie is an honors graduate of Central State University. She has worked in and around the funeral industry since 1989 and became a Licensed Funeral Director in 2007. She is passionate about her work and feels honored to be able to serve the families in her community. Stephanie says "this business is more than a career to me; it's a ministry"
Stephanie is a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association (OFDA), the Embalmers Association of Cleveland, as well as a Board Member of the Cleveland African American Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association (CAAFDEA) and the Mt. Pleasant NOW Development Corporation. Stephanie is also a member of the Order of Easterns Stars (Bethel Chapter #58), El Hasa Ct. #47, DOI and a Kappa Sweetheart (DZ Chapter).
Roberta Strawbridge Moore, VP/Office Manager
Barbara Russell, CFO/Accounts Payable
William Strawbridge, Director of Operations
Mr. William Strawbridge started his career in the funeral industry as a teenager at the House of Wills Funeral Home, under the leadership of Mr. J.W. Wills Sr, and furthered his career from 1999 to 2011 at the Gaines Funeral Home. Upon retirement Mr. Strawbridge joined his family on January 1, 2012 at Strawbridge Memorial Chapel, where he holds the the title of Director of Operations.
Mr. Strawbridge is an active member of the Masonic Order. He is a member of El Hasa Temple # 28 and currently holds the title of Imperial Deputy of Oasis of Cleveland. He is also a member of Zion Chapel M.B.C. under the pastorate of Pastor George O. Stewart
Darrell Moore, Funeral Attendant
Paul Moore, Funeral Attendant
Elisa Akins, Funeral Attendant
Charnise Moore, PT Funeral Home Attendant
Mark O Ramsey, Funeral Attendant
Mark shared his compassion and love for others as a Funeral Attendant throughout the city of Cleveland for many years.
Mark attended Cleveland Public Schools and was a 1984 graduate of East Technical High School. He was an active member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.
Mark was a proud member of Ecclesiastes Lodge #120 and El Hasa Temple #28 for many years. He was the Worthy Patron of Ecclesiastes Chapter Order #101 Order of the Eastern Star. Mark also served as a Page for Congressman Louis Stokes, and as the Driver for Reverend Dr. Otis Moss; picking up dignitaries such as Jesse Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, and President Bill Clinton.
Mark loved sports. His passion for boxing led to a win of the 1984 Golden Gloves Championship.
He departed this life October 9, 2015. In his honor our gathering hall has been named after him, the Mark O. Ramsey Gathering Hall. He is and forever will be deeply missed.