About

Our Legacy is in Service to Yours

welcome, families.

Your final expression of love matters to us.

We know this is an overwhelming and sad time for your family & friends. Even if you are pre-planning your own funeral and burial, the thought of death is tough to handle. At Good Mourning Life by J. Reid we handle the details, so you can grieve properly without the stress of planning a funeral. Our goal is to honor the deceased with a creative custom burial and memorial experience for your family, integrated with your customs, beliefs, rituals, and memorabilia.

If you need immediate funeral arrangements, please call us at (202) 812-9190.

about

At Good Mourning Life by. J Reid, we believe that funerals are for the living, not the deceased. The name “Good Mourning” originates from the ideal that, while funerals are a time for families to mourn the deceased, it’s also a time to honor and mourn their deceased loved ones in a good way. In addition to traditional burial and memorial services, we also provides custom casket wraps and other creative detailed services for multi-denominational families.

We specialize in all-inclusive funerals, burials, and preparation services for the deceased for multi-denominational families, so they can honor their deceased with tradition, love, and creativity. Owned and operated by Lavana Jenkins-Reid, a fourth-generation grandchild of funeral home directors, we believe in honoring the deceased with love, compassion, and pride. Whether your family is looking for a traditional burial ceremony or a modern funeral that incorporates family traditions, Good Mourning Life is your expert go-to funeral and burial planning partner.

Hi, I’m Lavana Jenkins-Reid.

As a fourth-generation grandchild of funeral home directors, Lula Bell Murray Jenkins and Joseph Jenkins, Jr., I have always been surrounded by death, but not in a morbid and traumatic way. While my childhood experiences taught me the importance of honoring the deceased and properly grieving, my degree in Mortuary Science taught me the value of hard work and that bleach and formaldehyde are my best friends.

Coming from a 90-year funeral home legacy, I approach funeral and burial planning in a forward-thinking and creative way, understanding that families deserve options in burying their deceased loved ones.

Based in Washington DC, I am licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, with plans to become licensed in California and Georgia. Working in funeral homes in Falls Church, Virginia taught me how to arrange multi-denominational and non-traditional funeral ceremonies for Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and other religious groups. I have a reputation for excellence, details, humor, and compassion that makes me a sought-after expert within the funeral industry.

When death separates families, Good Mourning Life by J. Reid allows families to memorialize their deceased with honor, love, and legacy.

Jennifer Black

Jennifer Black

Celebration of Life Planner / Grief Concierge

Jennifer understands that grieving families need assistance not only emotionally, but in all areas of their affairs to assure they are being properly handled. She is extremely passionate and committed to her assignment from God and has written a devotional to help, heal, and comfort bereaved families. She is committed to the hearts of the bereaved and walking them through this journey. She is a certified grief consultant, vlogger, and celebration of life planner with Lavana.

Jason Hinkson

Jason Hinkson

Production Manager & Videographer

Jason is a graduate from Bowie State University. He is passionate about film and videography. He has worked with Lavana in the funeral industry and is compassionate to the needs of the families. He is excited to bring creativity and an intimate perspective to online funeral arrangements and services.

Minister Rob Tolson

Minister Rob Tolson

Minister and Counselor

Jason is a graduate from Bowie State University. He is passionate about film and videography. He has worked with Lavana in the funeral industry and is compassionate to the needs of the families. He is excited to bring creativity and an intimate perspective to online funeral arrangements and services.

“Lavana is beyond professional. She worked tirelessly with us until the day she shipped him home to Sierra Leone. She was always very very supportive to us and very understanding patient and respectful. No matter how many times we called Lavana she always treated us with patience and compassion.”

– Doris F. Deen

For Immediate Assistance, please call (202) 812-9190 or email us at hello (at) goodmourninglife.com. We're available 24/7 to assist you.

Address: 716 Kennedy St., Washington, DC NW 20011

Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday; Saturday (by Appointment only)

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