Mortuary History
The Genesis of McCoy & Harrison
Great men are born, not made. Innately, they are not only leaders whose lives touch and inspire others, but they are also visionaries whose childhood dreams and lofty goals eventually become reality. If they are lucky, their children follow in their footsteps; however, if they are blessed, they become legacy builders for several generations.
Homer E. McCoy, Sr. was such a legacy builder. In the mid 1920's, he sold his interest in People's Pharmacy and he, together with his partner, founded McCoy & Harrison Funeral Home, which quickly earned distinction as a premier mortuary in the Houston Third Ward community. Renowned for its quality service and heartfelt compassion, this establishment set a stellar example of business acumen for contemporary as well as future proprietors. Upon Mr. McCoy's death, his wife, Blanche, took over the business with the assistance of their only child.
Homer E. McCoy, Jr. became the head of McCoy & Harrison Funeral Home in the 1950's. A teacher and counselor for many years in the Houston Independent School District, he found a way to balance school and the family business. Needless to say, he was a success at multi-tasking as he continued in his father's footsteps. To ensure that capable leadership remained in the family, he started grooming two of his daughters to fill his shoes.
In the early 1970's, his college-educated daughters took the helm of Leadership, which is still in place today. Helen McCoy Abernathy became Funeral Director in charge and Brenda McCoy Lee became Corporate Houston Secretary. Their grandfather and father would both be pleased with the success McCoy & Harrison today, for Helen and Brenda have taken the funeral home to even greater heights: it is the leading black funeral home in the Houston area and one of the highest regarded establishments by peers in Texas.
With the Lord's favor, a fourth generation of McCoys have begun working in the family business.
What a legacy for founding father, Homer E. McCoy, Sr. !
