About Us

About Us & Our Commitment to You

Robert C. Scott – Founder | Richard A. Lambert, Sr. – President

History of Scott’s Funeral Home

In 1910, a young man, 22 years old, upon feeling the need for a funeral service establishment of high caliber, founded the Robert C. Scott Funeral Home, the outgrowth of a partnership that was operated as Lewis and Scott, Undertakers, at 2210 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, in the city’s “Bird-in-Hand” community, in the valley below Church Hill.

Under the ownership of Robert C. Scott, who was one of the first black embalming license holders in Virginia, holding license #75, the firm grew rapidly following a policy of service of excellence rigidly.

In 1936, the firm was incorporated as Robert C. Scott, Inc. Changing times and expansion have led the firm to the present designation, “The Scott’s Funeral Service,” carrying the same policy paramount in its goals and aspirations, “Service of Highest Caliber.”

Funeral services have come a long way in their development in the 100+ years the firm has been operating. The first transportation facilities of the firm were made up of horse-drawn vehicles. Scott was the first operator of a funeral establishment to convert to fully motorized equipment in the city in the early 1900s.

This progressive pioneering spirit characterized the founder and his firm. It was the first firm to operate branches in various sections of the city. At one time in its history, the firm operated four branches, or “Neighborhood Chapels,” as they were called. As the population shifted as a result of urban renewal and affluence, and the neighborhood chapel concept no longer served its original purpose, the firm in 1967 moved into its present modern facility on the corner of Brookland Park Boulevard and Lamb Avenue. This location consists of approximately 9,000 square feet, which houses all of the facilities of the dressing rooms, selection rooms, state or viewing parlors, a chapel seating in excess of 225 people, conference and business offices, lounges, attendant’s area, Hammond organ, public address systems, and a lighted parking area capable of accommodating 175 cars.

In 1986, the firm acquired the Lightfoot Funeral Home in the Churchill section of Richmond, located at 3021 “N” Street, consisting of approximately 12,000 square feet, and changed the name at the location to Scott-Lightfoot Funeral Home. The Scott-Lightfoot location houses all of the facilities, including dressing rooms, selection rooms, state or viewing parlors, a chapel seating in excess of 175 people, conference and business offices, lounges, attendants area, a Hammond Organ, and public address systems. Looking at the downturn of the economy and the overall changes in the funeral industry, a decision was made to merge the Church Hill location with the Brookland Park Boulevard location in order to best utilize our services while continuing to provide outstanding service to our clients.

Mr. Scott died in 1957. Upon his death, the funeral home was run by his wife, Mrs. Mattie Olivia Cumber Scott, as President, Mr. Anthony J. Binga as General Manager, and Mr. Walter Preston as Treasurer. Mrs. Scott died on January 22, 1965, at which time Mr. Anthony J. Binga then became the President until his death on May 18, 1990. Mr. John Reginald Harris, Sr. acquired Scott’s Funeral Home in 1967. After his passing on December 28, 1991, his wife, Catherine Hicks Harris, became the President/Owner, and Mr. Richard A. Lambert, Sr. became the General Manager. Prior to Mrs. Harris’ death on April 30, 2009, she sold the business to its present owner, Mr. Richard A. Lambert, Sr., in 2002.

Mr. Lambert had served as Manager and Vice President throughout the most recent years of operation. Shortly after his acquisition, the Brookland Park Boulevard facility underwent a complete renovation. Surrounding properties across the street from the existing Scott’s Funeral Home were purchased to allow for the future expansion. A new chapel that can seat over 300 persons, a state-of-the-art sound system and sound room, along with a family room and offices, were constructed in the new chapel. A gated wrought iron fence was added around the parking lot, which can accommodate over 80 vehicles for a funeral service. At the same time a new heated garage was added that can house up to seven vehicles.

Under the leadership of Mr. Lambert, the pioneering spirit continues. Our clients are our most valuable asset, and we display that attitude with each family we serve. We believe that a funeral should be as individual as the individual.

With unwavering dedication to our customers, Scott’s Funeral Home continues to have a solid presence in the community with a name that people know and trust and can depend on for service of the highest caliber. We are committed to providing the highest standard of quality to each family we serve before, during, and after the death of a loved one.