History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families from all walks of life in the greater Houston area. Each family comes to Mabrie Memorial Mortuary because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

On Sunday, May 18, 1997, the Mabrie Memorial Mortuary officially opened its doors with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Exquisitely designed in Egyptian decor, the mortuary presents an innovative approach to providing memorial services for bereaved families.

Located at 5000 Almeda in the historic Third Ward/Museum District and business community, the building was initially constructed in early 1951 as the Caloudas Building and then later known as the Riverside Medical and Professional Building, which housed several local prominent physicians and doctors. The building also accommodated several local real estate, architectural and engineering firms until late 1984. It remained vacant until it was purchased by Dr. Herman Mabrie in 1993 with construction beginning in 1995.

“The Mabrie Memorial Mortuary is a symbol of the combined efforts of many individuals of the Greater Houston and Third Ward communities,” commented Dr. Mabrie, one of the owners of the mortuary.

Mabrie further stated, “The construction and completion of the Mabrie Memorial Mortuary attributes to the commitment and devotion of their creative vision. Their contributions enhance the meaning and personification of community and corporate partnerships and their dedication to the economic prosperity of our community.”

The mortuary is a true visual testimony of African American culture. It was designed by Archi*Technics/3 Inc., which is a multi-disciplined full-service architectural firm with over 50 years of collective experience ranging from building design and construction management, to interior space planning.  

The facility is also beautifully graced with artwork from several prominent African American artists including John Biggers, Israel McCloud, Marsha Dorsey-Outlaw, Burford Evans, Helen Joyce Rachal, Kermit Oliver, Joseph Moran, Rhonda Radford, Lionel Lofton, Charles Washington. 

We invite you and your family to experience a different level of service at Mabrie Memorial Mortuary.

Our Valued Staff

  • Herman J. Mabrie III, M.D.

    Herman J. Mabrie III, M.D. Board of Directors - President

    [email protected]The eldest son born to Herman and Imelda Mabrie, Herman James Mabrie, III was informed at an early age by his mother that he was to become a physician. Graduating with honors from Kashmere Gardens Jr-Sr High School, after earning his Bachelor of Science Degree from Howard University in 1973, he graduated from Meharry Medical College as a medical doctor.. In 1978, Dr. Mabrie became the first African-American to be accepted and graduate from the Baylor Affiliated Hospitals Otolaryngology Head and Neck program. While serving his community as an Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon, in 1991, his sister, Imelda Rose Mabrie Hall passed away. As part of his grieving process, in 1997, Dr. Mabrie became the principal owner of Mabrie Memorial Mortuary. The mortuary’s mantra of “Caring Professionals In Your Time Of Need” is meant to clarify to families the mortuary staffs’ understanding that losing a loved one is not only serious but also often sensitive, emotional trauma. Most important is that the mortuary staff assists families in a way that minimizes any distraction to the family from their immediate grieving process. Working with families in addressing their individual grief management, helping the transitioning process for families after losing a loved one, and assisting families with navigating financial versus ceremonial considerations are can-do and must-do areas of excellence for the mortuary staff. Continuing his active practice of providing ear, nose and throat care to the community, Dr. Mabrie recognizes that no greater privilege exists than being allowed to assist a family in funeralizing their loved one.

  • Gerald W. Womack

    Gerald W. Womack Board of Directors - Secretary/Treasurer

    [email protected]Gerald W. Womack is President/CEO, Womack Development & Investment (WDI), a full-service commercial and residential real estate brokerage firm. Womack Development is a 100% minority-owned company and is a certified Minority Business Enterprise by the City of Houston and State of Texas. Gerald Womack attended the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, Texas Southern University. He has been in business over 40 years. He has worked in many local political campaigns and serves as Campaign Manager for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee. Currently, Mr. Womack serves as president of the Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA). In August 2013, as a result of Gerald’s outstanding guidance, he received, at the 66th National Association of Real Estate Broker’s Convention, the 2013 Local Board President’s Award.Additional professional, community leadership accomplishments include: Honoree, 2013 Texas Southern University Legends & Leaders-Business Trendsetter; 2013 World Youth Foundation Community Partner Award; 2013 Texas Lay Organization, Outstanding Service to Our Community Award; Federal Political Coordinator for the National Association of Realtors; National Association of Real Estate Brokers; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA); Commissioner of the Harris County Housing Authority Member; and many others.

  • Ms. Cynthia A. Jones

    Ms. Cynthia A. Jones Co-Founder

  • Justin L. Mabrie, MBA

    Justin L. Mabrie, MBA Funeral Director in Charge

    [email protected]Justin L. Mabrie, a native Houstonian, has been involved with Mabrie Memorial Mortuary since his teenage years. The youngest son of Herman J. Mabrie, III, MD and Linda Broussard Mabrie, Justin combined his strong family values and drive for excellence to explore the world while pursuing varied interests in writing, acting and communications.Justin graduated cum laude with an Masters in Business Administration from Hampton University. Moving to Los Angeles, Justin was a visual manager in retail, brand ambassador for electric cars and pursued acting roles in television and film. He was blessed with minor acting roles and television appearances.Justin later lived in the Middle East where he was Director of Communication & Admissions at his high school alma mater, Michael E. DeBakey High School School for Health Professions - Qatar. During that time, Justin developed a heightened appreciation for cultural traditions and practices. Merging American values with international customs proved to encompass skills much like what it takes when planning family funeral arrangements for a loved one: honoring their unique characteristics while keeping the family’s desires at the forefront of planning.Justin’s time away from Houston was influential and exciting. Finding his way back to Mabrie Memorial Mortuary has been a priceless path inclusive of varied experiences that have made his journey back home that much more impactful. Understanding at a young age that compassion and a keen attention to detail are important qualities in the funeral industry, Justin’s joy of being back home is endless. Upholding the nuances of what it means to be a ‘Caring Professional In Your Time Of Need,’ he loves to share this commitment with all individuals who walk through the doors.Additionally, Justin is a published writer on relationships. His book, Riding Relationship Waves, is Justin’s refreshing perspective for understanding the dynamics of healthy relationships grounded with traditional values. With an aim to encourage people to form meaningful relationships at their own pace, Justin explores universal truths that apply across cultures and genders.

  • Ariana L. Harris Nonette, CFSP

    Ariana L. Harris Nonette, CFSP Licensed Funeral Director

    [email protected]Ariana L. Harris Nonette is a native of Houston and the daughter Felton and Melina G. Harris.Ariana graduated from Bellaire High School and attended Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University. While attending Texas Southern University and working for Continental Airlines part-time, she met the co-founder of Mabrie Memorial Mortuary, Ms. Cynthia Jones, and was introduced to the funeral industry. Through their meeting and Ms. Jones' influence, Ariana enrolled in Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. There she received an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science.Ariana has been involved in the funeral industry since 1999 and has a great understanding of how to serve and assist families in their time of need. She has been privileged to work with several funeral establishments, but has always called Mabrie Memorial Mortuary her “home”. Ariana is involved with several funeral organizations where she is a member and officer with the Houston Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Coastal Funeral Directors Association, the Independent Funeral Directors Association of Texas, the National Funeral Director Association and the Ladies Auxiliary of the local and state chapters. Ariana is also a member of Top Ladies of Distinction and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she serves on two committees. These two organizations are known for participating in community development, service to others and education. Ariana is a licensed pre-need counselor in the state of Texas and has received accreditation as a Certified Funeral Service Practioner through her community service initiatives, continuing education and training. She also serves as the outreach director for our firm by hosting seminars on pre-arrangements.Ariana is the wife of Rev. Kerry A. Nonette, who has been involved in the funeral industry for many years, and is the mother of a bonus son, Khlyer.

  • Hazel C. Ramsey, RN

    Hazel C. Ramsey, RN Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer (Provisional)

    [email protected]Hazel C. Ramsey is a native of Houston’s Third Ward, MacGregor area.Inspired by a History Professor at Texas Southern University who was in the funeral industry, and neighbors that owned a funeral home, her succession into the funeral industry was destined.Hazel graduated in 1984 from Texas Southern University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. She worked for the Houston Police Department, taught officers at the police academy and dispatched, until 1988, when she was accepted into nursing school.Hazel graduated in 1990, from The University of Texas, Health Science Center, School of Nursing, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.Throughout her 32 years of nursing, her specialties include: Emergency, Intensive Care, Home Health, Aesthetic and Post Anesthesia Care Nursing.In December 2021, Hazel graduated at the top of her class from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. While there, she served as President of the National Funeral Service Honor Society. Hazel received the first ever McEnany & Moen Academic Award, first of its kind, to be displayed in the library at Commonwealth. She received the R. L. Waltrip Chairman’s Award – an honor selected by the graduation class whom they feel demonstrates the greatest professionalism and promise for success.In recognition of Outstanding Academic Proficiency, and maintaining a 4.0 Cumulative GPA, Hazel was presented the Mu Sigma Alpha Award, presented by the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary ScienceHazel is the proud Mother of four; Ralph Jr., Alexis, Lauren & Preston. She is Grandmother to Madison HazelMarie.

  • Rahn G. Hall M.D.

    Rahn G. Hall M.D. Manager Aftercare Coordinator

    [email protected]Dr. Rahn G. Hall is the new coordinator of our aftercare support services program. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he first came to Houston to attend Rice University as a National Merit Scholar, completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and Psychology. He also met and married his wife, the late Imelda Rose Mabrie-Hall, while there.He graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1980 and completed his medical training in Obstetrics-Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center-Dallas in 1985.From insights gained while providing care for families leading up to, including, and following childbirth, he now brings a unique and valuable perspective to families facing the passing of a loved one. As Dr. Hall's profession has given him the privilege of caring for patients, he has gained an empathetic understanding concerning difficult and challenging circumstances during life’s journey.He finds inspiration for his new calling in the Word: “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." (2 Corinthians 9:12 New International Version). Dr. Hall is committed to ensuring that families who have entrusted the final earthly care of their loved one to Mabrie Memorial Mortuary are given the compassionate support and care that makes a difference and truly helps them as they grieve and heal.

  • Ms. Tiffany Vaughner

    Ms. Tiffany Vaughner Office Manager

    [email protected]Tiffany Vaughner is a native Houstonian. Having grown up in Houston's Historic Third Ward, Tiffany attended Lockhart Elementary School, Jack Yates High School and went on to graduate from Texas Southern University.Due to this connection she has a strong love for the community which extends to the families serviced by Mabrie Memorial Mortuary. Her hobbies include reading, visiting local art museums and galleries, as well as domestic and international travel.