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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Sherrell Wilson England has turned her passion into a business as Royalty Funeral Services Inc. opened its doors to the community on Oct. 1. Over 200 people filled the funeral home to celebrate the opening of not only the first woman-owned funeral home in the county, but the first black woman-owned funeral home in the county.

“(The grand opening) was a complete success. They showed up and supported, and I was very excited about the turnout,” England said. “I am serving all people — all families, all races, all religions and all beliefs. I am just honored to be not only the first woman-owned, but the first black woman-owned funeral home in Chilton County. I am proud and excited to serve the community and the people.”

Born and raised in Maplesville, England is the owner of Royalty Funeral Services and has been involved with funeral planning and directing for 13 years. She attended Isabella High School where she graduated in 2010 and chose to chase her curiosity and earn a degree in Funeral Service Education.

England said she cannot pinpoint exactly when her desire to get into funeral services happened, but when it did, she was fully into it.

“I have been doing trade work such as embalming for anyone who reached out, and now I decided to get into business for myself,” England said. “It really is a calling (to go into funeral services). I have always been curious as to what happens after death. I looked into it and went for it. I have loved it ever since.”

Royalty broke ground in January 2023 and turned the building around for the Oct. 1 grand opening. The grand opening featured tours of the funeral home and sights from some of its most picturesque rooms such as the Palace Foyer, an entrance where families first arrive that give them comforting and peaceful surroundings.

Royalty offers full funeral services as both traditional and non-traditional. England and her staff also offer memorial services, cemetery services and advanced planning for families. She pointed out that she enjoys educating families on the importance of pre-planning and insurance for when the time comes and something does happen, because death is inevitable.

“Do not let the families cry twice, once because they are gone and once because of the bill,” England said.

Royalty is in the process of introducing aquamation, or water cremation, to their list of services available.

When it comes to the compassionate side of the business, England said she tries to stay even keel and professional in a family’s most troubling times.

“Just being able to provide support to the families who come in, and make their process a little easier,” is what drives England daily.

Royalty Funeral Services Inc. is located at 6350 U.S. Highway 82, Maplesville and can be reached at 334-387-9545 or online at www.royaltyfunerals.com.