Ellis Funeral Homes

He has buried several of Hoxie's relatives over the years. Though Hoxie's family moved out of Fifth Ward, they always sought the services of Ross Mortuary."We had to come back," Hoxie told Loche as they reviewed her mother's death certificate.For more than 35 years Loche has been part of a tradition of black funeral directors in the United States that offer a trusted service to generations of African-American families seeking dignity for their deceased loved ones.Loche's two children work for him, and now his grandchildren take part in the family business from time to time. But as family-owned black funeral homes go under, or sell out to mortuary conglomerates, Loche's story, the tradition of a family unit caring for their community's dead, is becoming a rarity.When Hoxie finished signing the required paperwork in Loche's office, she unfurled a plastic bag. It contained a few of her mother's accessories, including a tube of lipstick she wanted to show him and his daughter, Edwina Loche Barrett."Gotta have that lipstick color," Hoxie said, "that's her favorite color."As Hoxie moved to place the bag on Loche's desk, Barrett stepped forward. The two women shared a silent smile as Hoxie gently placed the items in Barrett's cupped hands.When Hoxie then turned to give Loche a handshake, he shook his head."Oh no, let's get a hug," he said with a chuckle. "We don't do that here." Ross Mortuary CEO Edward Loche, right, embraces Carolyn Hoxie after finishing the funeral arrangements of Hoxie's mother. Ross Mortuary CEO Edward Loche, right, embraces Carolyn Hoxie after finishing the funeral arrangements of Hoxie's mother. ...