The story of our funeral home began in 1945 with Basil Strafferd Saunders, affectionately known to the community as "Straffie." Born in 1913 and raised in Corn Alley, Basil was a carpenter by trade—a man of profound skill and deep compassion.

His entry into funeral service was born out of necessity and heart; he began by hand-crafting tiny coffins for the infants of local parishioners, often carrying them on his own shoulders to the cemetery for burial. In those early days, service was defined by community rather than commerce, with a bartering system often used in place of currency.

This humble beginning evolved into one of the first two full-service funeral homes on the island. A true lover of his country, his people, and the vibrant spirit of Carnival, Basil laid a foundation of service that would span generations.

In 1991, the torch was passed to Basil's eldest daughter, Elizabeth Saunders. Elizabeth brought a new level of academic and professional excellence to the family business. A graduate of the American McAlister Academy, she earned the distinction of Valedictorian and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Under her leadership for 29 years, Straffie's underwent a complete transformation. Elizabeth remodeled our facilities and streamlined internal operations to ensure delivery of the highest standards of care. Her life was a testament to her devotion to the people of Antigua and Barbuda until her passing in 2020. She worked along her sister, another of Straffies' daughters, Cleopatra Roberts for over 27 years. Cleopatra was instrumental in ensuring smooth continuity of business; taking her nieces under her wing in order to guide them correctly.

Today, the legacy of being "Dedicated To Serve" is upheld by Elizabeth's daughter, Naadia Saunders, and another of Straffie's granddaughters, Janelle Saunders. Naadia and Janelle honor the traditions of their grandfather while bringing a modern, multidisciplinary approach to funeral service.

Naadia holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Biology, complemented by an Associate's degree in Mortuary Science from the McAlister Academy of Funeral Service. As a mortician certified by the International Conference of Funeral Service; Naadia is committed to guiding the business with the same empathy and professional integrity that has defined the Saunders family for eight decades.

Janelle brings to the funeral industry her intense commitment to service, and an innate ability to relate to people. She carries an extensive background in Education, stemming from her schooling at Oakwood University and fostered by her many years as a teacher at multiple primary schools in Antigua. She navigates the Lead Funeral Services Co-ordinator role with empathy, patience, kindness and a sincere desire to help others.