Our History
Serving Families Since 1945
In 1937, Georgia Cleopatra Williams, commonly known as ”the only Negro woman embalmer in the city”, established her funeral home named G.C. Williams Funeral Director and Embalmer. Georgia Cleopatra’s sisters, Katherine and Grace Williams, became licensed funeral directors and embalmers in 1945.
The Business District of West Chestnut Street
They joined Georgia Cleopatra in business and the firm was renamed G.C. Williams and Sisters Funeral Directors and Embalmers. The three sisters operated the business at its 1123 West Chestnut Street location.
Following the deaths of the Williams sisters, the flourishing funeral business was purchased and sold in 1962 to Mr. Calvin R. Winstead, a funeral director and embalmer.
Mr. Winstead continued to operate the business from the Chestnut Street location for the next two years.
A Merger to Increase Our Business Footprint
In 1964, Mr. Winstead purchased the William W. Beckett Funeral Home and Incorporated it with his current firm.
The new (combined) business was relocated to the present address 1935 West Broadway and renamed G.C Williams Funeral Home, Inc.
Responding to community growth, new additions and expansion to the existing building were designed and completed. Dedication services and open house for the community was held on Sunday, November 4, 1973.
Additional expansions over the years have provided modern spacious work areas and apartment space for students pursuing a career in Mortuary Science.
Increasing growth of the business and the commitment to provide personalized service has dictated an increase in business personnel.
Employees have increased in number from four to fifteen.
In January 1994, Mr. Hugh L. Winstead Jr. and Mr. Jasper Q. Crenshaw entered into partnership and purchased the funeral home. Upscale renovation and redecoration plans were implemented and completed in April 1996.
Continuing the Legacy
The newly renovated firm has given the building a look of modernization that will last into the new millennium.
The dedicated staff continues to serve this community with the same dignity and commitment expressed by founder, Ms. Georgia C. Williams in 1937 and that of Mr. Calvin R. Winstead who passed in 2003.
G.C. Williams Funeral Home Inc.
1935 W. Broadway Louisville, KY 40203-3549
Call: (502) 772-3123 | Fax: (502) 772-5433
Meet the G.C. Williams Funeral Staff
What Should You Do When a Loved One Dies?
Planning for a Funeral or a Cremation
Military & Veterans Memorial Planning
