About Us
Celebrating life since 2008
As a proud member of the Metro Detroit community since 2008, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our Mission
The mission of the Clora Funeral Home is to honor life in all that we do. Whether we are helping you work through arrangements for the loss of a loved one, assisting you in pre-planning funeral needs, or providing a beautiful setting to celebrate the life of your loved one, we always seek to provide a meaningful memorial of lives well lived.
We understand the importance of developing a relationship of trust with the families we serve, and our community. The Clora Funeral Home believes in educating families so that informed decisions can be made during times of vulnerability and emotional stress.
Our experienced staff prides itself on helping families find traditional as well as unique ways to memorialize their loved ones, discovering meaning and comfort in the process.
"Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted"
– Matthew 5:4
11K+
Legacies Honored
17
Years in Business
∞
Moments Remembered
Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
Major Clora, Jr.
President & Director
Major Clora, Jr. is the President and Founder of the Clora Funeral Home with three locations, Detroit-East, Detroit West, and River Rouge, MI. Major became the youngest funeral home owner in the state of Michigan in 2008. Personal service, the hallmark of his business sets Clora Funeral Home a part in a highly competitive industry. The Clora Funeral Home has become one of the nation’s premiere funeral homes.
With the philosophy that a funeral service is more a celebration of life than a mourning of loss Major has an innovative approach to serving bereaved families. He embraces traditional and creates unique tributes for families to celebrate their loved ones. At the Clora Funeral Home, Major’s compassion for families exudes, yielding him as a leader in his industry. His zeal for community service has transpired into the launch of Community Days to the surrounding neighborhoods where he partners with community agencies to provide resources and food baskets for those in need.
He is a strong proponent on the value of education and the vast opportunities’ that it can afford one. He has established the Clora Funeral Home Scholarship which is awarded to students who are majoring in the sciences field. A graduate of Cass Technical High School and Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science. Major was the second African American to serve as class president of the School of Mortuary Science.
He believes firmly in his faith in God and is a member of Second Ebenezer Church. Major is also an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Ursula B. Woodruff- Harris
Licensed Funeral Director/Manager
Ursula B. Woodruff- Harris has been a Licensed Funeral Director for over 30 years and is a proud graduate of the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science. She is passionate about helping others and honored to serve families in their time of need.
Ursula also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, a Master’s Degree in Education and is a certified information technology professional. She uses this skillset in her spare time to tutor children in reading, math, computer technology, and science.
Marie A. Taylor
Licensed Funeral Director/Manager
Marie A. Taylor is a licensed funeral director with Clora Funeral Home – River Rouge Chapel, bringing over 20 years of dedicated experience in funeral service. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University and has committed her career to serving families with professionalism, dignity, and compassion.
Marie is known for her caring and empathetic nature, guiding families through some of life’s most difficult moments with grace and understanding. In addition to her funeral service credentials, she is also a licensed cosmetologist. She utilizes her expertise in cosmetology to thoughtfully enhance the natural appearance of those entrusted to her care, ensuring each individual is presented with dignity and respect.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Marie enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is a proud mother and grandmother who values faith, family, and community.
JoAnn Hill- Brown
Licensed Funeral Director/Manager
Mrs. JoAnn Hill-Brown is a licensed funeral director in the State of Michigan with a distinguished career spanning both funeral service and healthcare. A 1984 graduate of Wayne State University’s School of Mortuary Science, Mrs. Hill-Brown brings decades of professional excellence, compassion, and clinical expertise to the families she serves.
In addition to her work in funeral service, JoAnn dedicated 33 years as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with the Henry Ford St. John Hospital system. Her extensive background in laboratory science reflects her precision, integrity, and comprehensive understanding of medical processes—qualities that enhance her meticulous care and professionalism in funeral service.
JoAnn’s foundation in funeral service was shaped under the mentorship and training of the late Ms. Rebecca Holland Barksdale, one of Detroit’s most respected and pioneering female funeral directors. Under Ms. Barksdale’s guidance, she developed a strong commitment to dignity, presentation, and excellence in serving families during their most sensitive moments.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, JoAnn is also recognized for her musical legacy. She is a recording artist and one of the lead singers of the nationally acclaimed gospel group, The Thomas Whitfield Company, from its inception. Her contribution to gospel music remains a meaningful part of her life’s journey and spiritual expression.
A woman of faith, JoAnn is a devoted member of Triumph Church, where Pastor Solomon W. Kinloch serves as her spiritual leader. She enjoys traveling, sports, and singing, and she treasures her role as a mother. Her son, Edward Hill, is the love of her life and one of her greatest blessings.
JoAnn now shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with Clora Funeral Home, where she serves as the Licensed Manager and Director of the Chapel of Grace. In this leadership role, she continues her lifelong commitment to compassionate care, operational excellence, and dignified service to the families and communities she faithfully supports.
A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Clora Funeral Home facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.
A time to honor, comfort and heal
We help create unique and meaningful memorial services to celebrate your loved one and begin the healing process for families and friends left behind.
We’ll take care of every detail
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.
Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.
Compassionate customer care
“Cloras is a very beautiful place my father passed away and they did a wonderful job with him, he was so cared for. And his home going was beautiful. Will trust them with all my love one's.”
Author:— Shanda Peterson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Clora handled everything so well with my father”
Author:— Vanessa Winston rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I recommend Clora Funeral Home for ALL your funeral needs.”
Author:— Vonda Langford Allen rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I would like to thank the entire Clora family special shout out to Letia Clora for your kindness, patience and the support you gave to my family and I the staff was so professional shown so much compassion thank you again for caring for my mom Annett Whyte”
Author:— Tashona Whyte rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Clora Funeral Home offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.
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