By Shuly Cawood
•
April 27, 2026
Earlier this month, Morris‑Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services had the privilege of hosting current and prospective members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes for a regional roundtable discussion here in Johnson City. These gatherings are intentionally designed to foster open dialogue among independently owned funeral homes, providing space to share ideas, address regional challenges, and strengthen professional relationships—all in service of the families and communities we care for. Selected Independent Funeral Homes organizes meetings like these to support collaboration, learning, and peer connection among its members. What Is Selected Independent Funeral Homes? Founded in 1917 , Selected Independent Funeral Homes is an invitation‑only, worldwide association of independent funeral homes committed to continuous improvement and professional excellence. Membership is extended only after careful evaluation of a firm’s character, reputation, and dedication to high standards of service. Selected’s mission is to provide innovative, relevant resources, education, and support that help independently owned funeral homes thrive while remaining true to their values and local roots. Its guiding values emphasize service, independence, learning, and quality—principles that closely align with our own at Morris‑Baker. Why These Conversations Matter One of Selected’s core strengths is its emphasis on meaningful connection. Through meetings, forums, study groups, and leadership development programs, Selected creates opportunities for funeral professionals to learn directly from one another and to share real‑world experience in a trusted environment. Roundtable meetings, in particular, encourage honest discussion of issues facing independent funeral homes today—ranging from operational challenges to evolving family expectations—while reinforcing the shared commitment to ethical, family‑centered care that defines Selected membership. A Proud Tradition at Morris‑Baker Morris‑Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been a proud member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes for over 80 years , reflecting generations of commitment to independent ownership, professional integrity, and service excellence. Hosting this roundtable was a meaningful way to carry that tradition forward—welcoming colleagues from across the region into our community and contributing to conversations that strengthen the profession as a whole. Looking Ahead We are grateful to everyone who joined us in Johnson City and for the thoughtful dialogue that took place around the table. These connections—and the shared pursuit of best practices—help ensure that independent, family‑owned funeral homes remain a vital part of the communities they serve. To learn more about Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the values that guide its members, visit selectedfuneralhomes.org .
