This is an archive of the funeral service portion live streamed on January 1, 2021.
Audience chat participation and complete audience video are not captured here.
This video features Jeremy Simpson as the Officiant, previously enacted by Winfred Burns II.
Event Gallery
“For Everything There is a Season,” A Movement Chorus to Ecclesiastes, Choreographed and led by Jazlyn Ruiz.
“Trouble of the World,” the Grief Share song performed by Vanika Brandon, Jan 1, 2021
“At The Graveside,” we burned representations of the things that audience members brought to the service to bury.
Participants on December 27, 2020 hear instructions for the Movement Chorus.
“Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow,” performed by Tara Chiusano during the Graveside portion of the service.
“I Can’t Give Up Now,” closing song performed by Vanika Brandon, Jan 1, 2021.
This year we have all experienced loss.
Some of us have lost our loved ones, or jobs, our graduation, our vacation plans, or our dreams for the future.
Now is a time to not feel bad for feeling sad.
In response to this time of pain and isolation, we invite you to join with us for a unique opportunity to share our grief and move towards hope.
The funeral service begins at 5 pm sharp, and the wake follows after.
The wake is a time for feasting and celebration of the deceased. So plan to enjoy your dinner, an appetizer, or aperitif during the wake. We will set our computers/devices on our dinner tables, gather around, and continue through the event's Celebration of Life portion.
We look forward to sharing this unprecedented experience with you!
Send a Photo and a Song
Send a quick email to
Tell us 2020’s favorite song, and share with us a non-socially distanced picture of you in 2019.
We will create a Memorial Slideshow for the wake made of photos from our participants enjoying life in 2019.
(We promise we won’t share or use your photo or email anywhere else.)
Share a meal
Eat your evening meal or appetizer in virtual community during the wake.
These links have some great recipes that are perfect for the occasion.
Traditional Southern Funeral Dishes
Dress for the occasion
It’s a zoom funeral, so wear what you find most appropriate!
Hats and dark tops are encouraged.
Here are some thoughtful articles about preparing for and planning a zoom funeral.
*** In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of the artists who have gathered us together. ***
A portion of the proceeds will go towards Maple Ave Ministries’ global and national work towards the flourishing of ALL God’s people.
Begin with mics muted, and feel free to have the camera on or off.
We will invite you to turn on your camera and mics for moments of visual and/or spoken participation during the event.