Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.
Premier Funeral Services was established years ago, and serving families has always been our focus. We take pride in being able to guide people through some of their most difficult days. We take pride in maintaining a setting that allows people to find solace. Celebrating life is our mission. That’s never changed. And with pride, it never will.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
E. Andre Brown Sr.
E. Andre Brown, Sr. is a native of Miami, Fl, he began his funeral service career at the age of 12, E. Andre is a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as an Intelligence Specialist and an licensed minister through the New Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake. E. Andre has been instrumental in helping families for over two decades here in the Hampton Roads Communities and continue to do so with dignity, elegance, grace and reverence.
Natarsha L. Merritt
Manager
A native of Newport News, Natarsha graduated from Menchville High School and spent several years in the Army as Military Police. With her passion for caring for others, she later decided to pursue a career in nursing. It was while she was a nursing student that she became pregnant with twins. The loss of one of her twins along with her loving and caring attitude was what drove her to transfer her major so she could help families in their time of need. She then graduated from the Funeral Service Program at Tidewater Community College with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in 2010. She later went back to school to receive her Bachelors Degree in Business.
Passionate about helping families personalize services, Natarsha worked at a funeral home in Newport News before joining the Premier Funeral Services Family.
Dr. Sylvester K. Starkes
Funeral Technician/Public Relations
Sylvester was born November 4, 1957 to Gloria and the late Jesse Starkes in Norfolk, Virginia.
Sylvester also established the following groups: S.S. & Company, Free Spirit Choral Ensemble and The S.K.S. Voices of Expression/Bayside High School Gospel Choir.
He has four children, MATTHEW, DAVION, DREVON, and DE’ARA STARKES, and a host of others of whom he helped raise!
He received his formal education from Norfolk State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education, in the areas of SPH and ED. He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from Rhema Seminary and College, May 1998, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Norfolk Theological Seminary and College conferred May 2004.
He is a former member of the Norfolk State Marching Spartan Legion Band and current member of the NSU Alumni Band, a member of the Association for Career and Technical Education, Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education, the Chapter Representative of the Tidewater Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America, National GMWA Board of Director member.
His favorite scriptures are St. John 8:32, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” and Philippians 4:8 “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.”
Dr. Starkes will release a book entitled, “Music in the Black Church: The Untold Story”, on the weekend of his 60th birthday.
Jerry Lorelle
Funeral Techician/Afer Care Specialist
Jerry is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia. He is the oldest of five children.
He believes that all things are possible with Christ.
Jerry received an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, from the Culinary Institute of America. He also received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management from Norfolk State University. He is currently working on a Master of Art Degree at Regent University. He is a veteran of the Virginia Army National Guard.
Presently he is an educator for Chesapeake Public Schools, Chesapeake Adult Education, and Tidewater Community College. He was nominated for Teacher of the Year for Deep Creek High School in 2006.
Credits and affiliations: Assistant Representative of the Tidewater Virginia GMWA Chapter, former GMWA National Youth Cabinet Member, former Assistant Christian Cotillion Coordinator, Administrative Assistant for the Voices of Expression community choir, member of the Chesapeake Educators Association, and the National Educators Association
Presently Jerry resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is thankful that his grandmother, the late Imogene Deloris Davis, exemplified, expressed, and expected “unconditional love”. Jerry strives to have that same love. His belief is that God has called him to inspire, motivate, and assist youth so that they may become positive and productive citizens.
Min Keith Cannon
Funeral Techician/Public Relations
A Portsmouth native, Keith currently reside in Norfolk,Va with wife and 4 children. Keith is a license minister with many duties at his current church.Is a graduated of Churchland High School. Studying Funeral Services at Tidewater Community College.
Explore Our Location
See where we are located.