Today we’d like to introduce you to JaKarla Spiller.
Hi JaKarla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am JaKarla Spiller, a native Houstonian, Accountant and licensed funeral director with roots that run deep in the city’s Southside. This also includes extensive familial ties in Texas City, LaMarque and Galveston,TX. I have been in the funeral industry for the last 7 years and held the distinct honor to serve as the only female Funeral Director in Charge (FDIC) at one of Houston’s top funeral homes. This is a remarkable accomplishment in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
Early in my career, I was awarded the opportunity to serve on the close-knit team that orchestrated arrangements and final disposition of the world-renowned services for Mr. George Floyd in 2020. I was responsible for coordinating logistics for the multiple day service where thousands of native Houstonians and A-list celebrities were in attendance. The historical service was live streamed all over the world.
I am a proud graduate of University of Houston- Downtown, THE Prairie View A&M University, and Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service where I was bestowed my degree with “Highest Honors and Distinction”. I find my greatest joy serving others which is why I entered the funeral industry. After many years in accounting, I found myself asking, is there more to my life’s purpose? Why else am I here? The answer was found in a ministerial class I was attending at CrossRoads Community Church where I realized my life’s goal is to ensure at least one person or family is encouraged during the moment where life has reached its lowest point- the point of grief.
I strive daily to move in EXCELLENCE and sum my life’s work and purpose with the quote “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” I believe it is for this reason I was honored as one of Houston’s “Fabulous Over 40” for my outstanding work and professional accomplishments.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I entered the funeral industry I was working full-time as an Accountant with several accomplishments in the field, but I knew there was more I should be doing. While holding multiple degrees and certifications, I made the decision to return to school, yet once again, during the height of COVID to pursue what I would later find to be my true passion. Due to managing several employees and overseeing several programs, long days and longer nights were my portion for months on end. After much perseverance and dedication, I graduated from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service with a degree in Mortuary Sciences achieved with ‘Highest Honors and Distinction’.
As previously mentioned, the funeral industry is normally male dominated, which creates barriers and obstacles for women, especially minority women, to hold leadership roles. With more than a decade of leadership experience upon entry into the profession, it was hard to deny that I had the knowledge, wisdom and understanding to serve from the heart while managing, executing and producing results.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Perpetual Trust Mortuary ?
Perpetual Trust Mortuary was established in the State of Texas in 2021 and serves families all over the greater Houston Area.
The Mission of Perpetual Trust Mortuary is “Serving People with Undying Passion”.
Our mission is bred through the vision “To create relationships of encouraging hope, humble service and perpetual trust”.
Our core values of Humility, Trust and Hope will guide this mission and vision daily through intentionally humble service and truth. We are servants. We have a client-first mentality, and we go the extra mile to meet the needs of every client during their time of bereavement, no matter who they are. As we recognize the power of faith in our personal lives, we extend our faith into our work and offer our heart-felt service and kindness as a beacon of hope to our clients during their time of need.
Perpetual Trust Mortuary Trust exists because we are purposed to encourage and equip bereaved families with the support they need to readjust life as they know it to begin healing from their painful transition. We build trust through transparency and our signature client-first service.
We are well aware that the reason our clients need our services is far beyond their own control, and use this truth to operate with confidence, stability and a humble temperament as our kindest offering of comfort and gratitude.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I didn’t find a mentor, but I am grateful to God that my current mentor Dr. Cindy Trimm found me. I went to a conference she hosted and I was in awe! A few days after the conference, one of her Executive Assistants did some research and got my number from one of my closest and dear sister/friends. Dr. Trimm reached out and scheduled an appointment with me. I was enamored! She held one conversation with me and insisted that it was time that I stop putting other’s at the top of my list and make an investment in me. She was the first person to say that, mean it and not take ‘no’ for an answer. She reminded me of the importance of the growth cycle and why people plateau before they should- because they don’t invest in themselves.
I am forever grateful for that moment because it taught me that investing in myself is always worth the time and energy. Because of her, I now quote the mantra -A better me is a better WE, a better I is a better Us and I AM WORTH IT!
Contact Info:
- Website: PerpetualTrustMortuary.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perpetualtrustmortuary?igsh=MTVka3B4amQ2bHZ5Mw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17vsWh5Jbm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
