Community Highlights: Meet Mayor Shameka Reynolds of Tri-Cities Funeral Home and City of Lithonia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayor Shameka Reynolds.

Hi Mayor Shameka , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Shameka Sharell Reynolds, a unique blend of strategic acumen and compassionate leadership, is a second-term mayor of the City of Lithonia and co-owner of Tri-Cities Funeral Home. Her innovative approach to business and leadership has set new trends in the funeral profession and outreach, earning her accolades such as Funeral Home Director of the Year, 50 Most Influential Women in Atlanta, Top Black Women Mayors of DeKalb County, and the Unsung Leadership Award. Her professional affiliations include being a local member of Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association (GFSPA)’s 9TH District, state member of GFSPA, a member of the Georgia Funeral Directors Association (GFDA), and the current funeral director in continuous charge (FDICC) of Tri-Cities Funeral Home. Shameka is the past chair and presently a member of the National Funeral Directors & Mortician Association (NFDMA) Legislative Committee. Shameka was appointed in 2011 as a Lithonia City Council member, serving an eight-year term.

Shameka Reynolds is a 1994 graduate of Lithonia High School, finishing with honors, and she was named Miss LHS by her graduating class. She attended Georgia Southern University following high school, majoring in Business Administration. After leaving Georgia Southern, Bellsouth employed her for over ten years. During her venture at Bellsouth, she graduated with honors from the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. While studying at Gupton-Jones, she was an active and dedicated student council member. Just prior to her graduation, Shameka lost her dear grandmother, Mrs. Ammer Reynolds. This was a difficult time for her and her family. That was especially true with Ammer and her husband, W.G. Reynolds, being the founders of Tri-Cities Funeral Home. The moment of life shifting tremendously would also be when Shameka knew undoubtedly that everything instilled in her by her grandparents would happen. They passed her the torch of service and excellence, leaving their dreams and hard work in the perfect hands.

Every vision meticulously planted by her grandparents, parents, and others has led to the bright and unceasing fruit that Shameka Reynolds continues to bear. Her heart is for people, and her purpose is deeply rooted in love. Shameka is a proud mother to two sons, Justin and Miles, who she adores more than anything. Mentoring rising funeral home professionals and young women is also a staple in her mission to impact those around her. In countless ways, her unwavering commitment to serving has earned her the respect and admiration of those she nurtures and guides through life. Shameka will always boldly exude the motto of Tri-Cities Funeral Home, “Service is our Trademark, and Dignity is Our Name.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not a smooth road . Continuing the legacy that your grand parents started was a struggle . Prayer and much patience got me through a lot of struggles and heart ache.

It built me for the challenge I have today to be a great leader with confidence and integrity

We’ve been impressed with Tri-Cities Funeral Home and City of Lithonia , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business sets trends we are the trendsetters we are the funeral home that is often imitated. It brings me joy to see the public understanding our services of funerals which is a ministry.

Tri-Cities Funeral Home Inc. is a family owned and operated business in the historic downtown Lithonia , Ga district . I am the third generation and was the first black owned business in Dekalb County it was established in 1960. Black African Americans had to travel to Auburn Ave in Atlanta to receive funeral services for their loved ones that passed away. My grandfather and his partners created Tri-Cities on the east side of Atlanta just so that black African Americans didn’t have to travel so far to receive funeral services. Today Tri-Cities is a brand that hundreds of funeral homes follow and we have been recognized as the Funeral Home of Excellence in the State of Georgia .

City of Lithonia , Ga which I am the mayor of presently since 2020 has been a great milestone for me. The city has grown with development , economic growth , and a safe vibrant city .

We have new momentum for the City. We’re continuing our focus on local development, infrastructure improvements, small business support, and community events that bring us together and move us forward. From road repairs and beautification projects to economic opportunities and public safety efforts, progress is happening on every level!!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Patience ! When it’s your time it’s your time !

Pricing:

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Contact Info:

• Website: www.tricitiesfuneralhome.com and mayorshamekareynolds.com
• Instagram: misstricities and abetterlithonia
• Facebook: Tricities Funeral Home Lithonia and Mayor Shameka Reynolds
• LinkedIn: Shameka Reynolds
• Youtube: TricitiesFuneralHome