Having branched out to Franklinton, Cook-Richmond Funeral Home will host a grand opening celebration at its new facility Sunday, Dec. 30.

In choosing to open a Franklinton location, Vice President and assistant manager Jamal Richmond said he and his father, Roscoe Richmond, president and manager, wanted to expand the company’s services from Bogalusa to the other side of Washington Parish and offer people another choice for their funeral service needs. He noted the funeral home can also accommodate customers in Mississippi, as it is licensed in that state.

In addition to funeral package plans, which Jamal Richmond said are affordably priced, the company offers life insurance plans.

“Through our insurance, our goal is to make sure everyone is insured so they can afford a professional, dignified funeral, because everybody deserves a professional service,” he said.

With a staff of more than 20 between its Bogalusa and Franklinton locations, Cook-Richmond Funeral Home is well prepared to accommodate customers’ needs, Richmond said.

Cook-Richmond Funeral Home was founded in Bogalusa more than 50 years ago by Moses and Alvia Mae Richmond, Jamal Richmond’s grandparents.

“We come to Franklinton with generations of experience dealing with funeral service and also life insurance,” he said.

Richmond invites people in Franklinton, as well as Bogalusa, Hackley, Clifton and all surrounding areas, to attend the grand opening celebration.

From 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., those attending can tour the new location at 939 Cleveland St., which has been open for a couple of weeks. Roscoe Richmond said it is an “outstanding” facility that includes a spacious chapel and two viewing rooms and can accommodate up to four viewings at one time.

“It’s a step beyond the norm, if you will, for an average funeral home,” he said.

Licensed insurance agents, as well as the entire funeral home staff, will be on site to answer questions or offer advice, Jamal Richmond said.

“Give us an opportunity to present to you what exactly we have to offer,” he said. “Every funeral home is different, so please come in and take a tour of the building or give us a chance to speak with you.”

Free limousine rides will also be available from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The company’s limousine service is available not only for funerals, but also for weddings, proms or any other occasion, Richmond said.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. A celebration service will begin at 3 p.m., with Rev. Johnny Causey of New Jerusalem Baptist Church as guest speaker, Richmond said. Refreshments will follow.

The Franklinton location can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling 839-7221.

“If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call,” Richmond said.