Inez Manning DeBaptiste, F.D

Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, F.D.

Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, FD journeyed to West Chester, Pennsylvania beginning in the 1940’s to visit his Aunt Louise. Through his frequent visits he began a lifetime love affair with West Chester, Pennsylvania. As a young and energetic man with the desire to succeed, he vowed to return to West Chester to open up his own business. After serving in the United States Army, and graduating from mortuary school he returned to West Chester in 1954 with his young bride Inez Manning DeBaptiste and daughter Lillian L. DeBaptiste. In 1954 Clifford and Inez DeBaptiste opened up the DeBaptiste Funeral Home. In 1964 having the desire and seeing the need for expansion they began construction of The DeBaptiste Funeral Home. This was the first funeral home in West Chester built with that intention. It was there that the tradition and motto began of “Up to date facilities, Old Fashioned Dignity and Everyday Economy”. Built by renowned African-American contractor Mr. Lawrence Derry, the doors of the funeral home were opened to the public during the Great January blizzard of 1965. The building remains the current place of establishment for the home office of the DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc, at 601 E. Miner Street. West Chester, Pennsylvania. In 1973, Inez DeBaptiste and Lillian DeBaptiste officially joined the family business as licensed funeral directors. During this period of growth and expansion they opened a branch of DeBaptiste Funeral Homes in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania in 1978. Despite the passing of their beloved wife and mother Inez DeBaptiste in 1990, Clifford and Lillian DeBaptiste continue to lead their business and their community into and beyond the millennium. In 2002 DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc celebrate the new motto of Uplifting Life Through Service as they look forward to the third generation of funeral directors.

Lillian L. DeBaptiste, FD

Lillian L. DeBaptiste, FD wife of Thomas D. Lambert, Sr. has been a licensed funeral director since 1973. She was part of the first mother-daughter team to become funeral directors in the state of Pennsylvania simultaneously, with Inez E. DeBaptiste, FD. A Graduate of West Chester University, she has been active in many local and civic organizations including: previous board member of Planned Parenthood of Chester County, the board of the West Chester Community Center, and the Human Relations Committee. She is a member of the Order of the Easter Star, the Ida Brook Chapter of Bryn Mawr, Pa, and Links, Inc of Montgomery County. In addition she willingly serves as Mistress of Ceremony and Inspirational Speaker to numerous Churches and Organizations. Lillian DeBaptiste was chosen as the Batesville sponsored keynote speaker for the 2001 NFD&MA convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, FD

The Honorable Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, founder, owner and CEO of DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc., has been active in West Chester and the Chester County community for over 40 years. Serving two terms as the Mayor of West Chester, his community outreach includes religious, civic, business and political arenas. Dr. DeBaptiste holds a membership in St. Paul’s Baptist Church of West Chester and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Mr. DeBaptiste holds lifetime memberships in four branches of the NAACP, he served as president of the Chester County Private Industry Council from 1984- 1997; and is a veteran of the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Sgt. Major. In 1984 he was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the West Chester Chamber of Commerce. He has received four gubernatorial appointments, which include: Trustee of the Board of Trustees of West Chester University, where he also served as Board Vice President; the State Board of Funeral Directors of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he served thirteen (13) terms as chairman. He holds memberships in all local, county, state and national funeral director associations and serves on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of West Chester, since 1975.

Employees from Left to Right:

John O. Johnson, Elder E. Richard McKim, Everett "Tim" Butcher, Sr., Cindy Outlaw, Sage Glenn,
Chanin Ricketts, and Andrew Washington.

"The Staff" "DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc is blessed to have committed, dedicated, Christian staff members. From elders to deacons, stewards and trustees they are active in their home churches. Compassion and a caring spirit shows in all of their endeavors. Our commitment to each other is nurtured by fellowshiping once a month together."

60-62 Prospect Avenue. Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010 (610) 525-4336

601 E. Miner Street. West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382 (610) 696-4812