Rising Stars: Meet Mark Anthony Weaver, Jr.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Anthony Weaver, Jr.

Hi Mark Anthony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I developed my passion for the funeral industry at the age of ten. I’m the oldest of two sons to a baptist pastor. I was enamored by the coordination and the amount of detail that was put into the last rites of those who had passed on.

I vividly remember parking cars in the church parking lot to make sure the funeral staff and their vehicles were able to get in and out in an orderly fashion. Afterwards, I used to help the grave team close the grave once the final rites were given to the deceased. As a young boy, you would think I would be afraid of that kind of thing, but it came natural to me. It fascinated me. It felt like I was meant to do it.

As I got older, I started developing a plan specifically with the goal of becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the state of Georgia. I began by extensively researching the requirements to accomplish my goal. In high school, I joined the youth apprenticeship program where I would leave school to go work at the funeral home. By the time I was 18 years old, I was a funeral attendant. I worked funeral services and visitations. Over time, I have learned so much more than I could’ve ever imagined about funeral service.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to becoming a funeral director was not easy at all. This has been my greatest undertaking in my life. I faced obstacles during mortuary school and also on the professional side. This journey has definitely challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. There were times that I questioned if this is really what I should be doing but I honestly couldn’t see myself doing anything else for the rest of my life.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am employed with Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, which is the largest independently owned funeral home company in the southeast. I bear the title of assistant chapel manager at the Rockdale location. I assist families with making funeral arrangements. I prepare decedents for viewing and funeral services. On the day of, the families will see me working the service as well. I am most proud of when a family that I have worked with says I have made their time of difficulty a little easier. I know I can not take away the pain of losing a loved one but to hear those words makes me want to become even better in this profession. I believe what sets me apart is that I go above and beyond to show compassion, be sensitive to those in need and extend care to the people I come in contact with.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I remember playing with my toy cars and forming them in a line as if it was a funeral service. Funeral processions, though odd for a child my age, were my favorite things to watch. I watched the processions of many notable and famous figures. I was intrigued by how much coordination and attention to detail was ultimately involved in making a funeral happen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @undertaking_greatness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004224272962&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-anthony-weaver-jr-178972174