Testimonials
Testimonial One:
Friend,
I recently went through one of the most difficult times of my life. I lost my mother on December 31, 2003. Mama and I discussed death from time to time. I found it uncomfortable to talk about it, but mama, being wiser than myself, saw the importance of it. She took time and helped me to know exactly what she wanted. I could not see the necessity of it, but I listened.
Then the day came I knew would come, but yet did not expect, came - December 31, 2003. I had many decisions to make quickly. I am now very thankful mama and I discussed her arrangements. She told me in detail everything she desired as far as her wardrobe, casket design, order of service, and music. My mama had purchased her cemetery site and talked to me about her headstone. When the time came I just tried to do all she asked and prepared me to do. I now know it was her final gift of love she gave me. I cannot even imagine how difficult it would have been wondering what she would have wanted. I realize she truly was a wise and loving mother.
Many people shared with me that everything was so much "like mama." The reason being is mama had such a part in planning her service. I highly recommend pre-planning and being as prepared as you can. It surely helped lighten the burden during this difficult time.
Testimonial Two:
Losing a loved one is certainly not easy. The grief ripples through the hearts of the family, and feelings of despair, hopelessness, and uncertainty seem to dominate every waking moment. When my wife died in the spring of 2004, my family and I found ourselves in such a situation.
Our faith in God and the outpouring of support from many friends helped us begin the road to acceptance and understanding of the tragedy that had befallen our family. With guidance from an excellent funeral home, we arranged for a lovely ceremony to commemorate her life, and sought a fitting burial site to give everyone closure.
Upon the advice of friends, we visited Russell Haven of Rest on a quiet Sunday evening. The staff had gone home for the evening, and we started to walk around. The quiet, peaceful setting and attention to detail immediately told us that we need look no further…this was the right place.
I called Sue Campbell the next day asking for an appointment. From that first contact, I knew that we had made the right decision. The Campbell’s and their staff accommodated our every need. They listened to our desires, making recommendations as necessary to ensure that this important decision was proper and what we wanted.
I had family members traveling great distances, some with special needs. Sue made recommendations that would accommodate our situation. She made us aware of the family support group that meets at the cemetery to help our family overcome the grief that we felt. She shared the small newsletter, which is available to keep our family informed of news and events associated with the cemetery. There was such an outpouring of support that we felt that we had joined a new family ourselves.
Now, some months after my wife’s passing, I feel compelled to offer this letter of recommendation. Russell Haven of Rest offers understanding, compassion, and professionalism at a time when you will need it most. They are concerned with your needs, wants, and desires. The owners and staff treat you like family.
John Crumpley
Jacksonville, Florida
Testimonial Three:
It was an honor to be chosen by Jerry and Sue Campbell to assist them in developing Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery. I knew from the start that it would be a special project. The first indication was at my first meeting with the Campbells, when I found them to be warm and caring people, as well as committed Christians. The second clue came when I learned why they wanted to develop their land as a cemetery. Their purpose wasn't to make themselves rich as cemeterians, because they were already successful business people. Their reason for doing it was because the Campbells felt it had been placed upon their hearts to use their land to serve others by creating a community cemetery.
Our firm was chosen to provide design services for the cemetery. The Campbells wanted the cemetery's design to reflect their vision of a peaceful, dignified resting place. We worked with a team of top-notch professionals assembled by the Campbells for the project, and I am pleased with the results. The site is nestled between wooded areas and we utilized the natural beauty of the area in the design of the burial sections.
I take pride in the part our firm contributed to Russell Haven of Rest. It was a pleasure working with Jerry and Sue Campbell. They have a way of making people feel like they are a part of their extended family. Russell Haven of Rest offers attractive burial grounds, but I believe that the secret to the cemetery's success is the compassion and genuine caring of the Campbells. It is their desire to serve that has made the cemetery a special place for their community. God bless them.
Al L. Matherly, PLS
President, Matherly Cemetery Design Services
July, 2004
2315 Sandridge Road
Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043 Phone: (904) 284-7720
Fax: (904) 284-6656
