Meet a Family Service Counselor: Devon M. Fluellen with Floral Memory Gardens
How long have you worked at Floral Memory Gardens?
I've been employed with Floral Memory Gardens since December of 2024. In that time, I've had the privilege of educating and serving countless families, helping them navigate through some of life's most difficult moments with compassion and care. I also make it a priority to inform them of all the available options and memorial markers they can choose to honor their loved ones in a meaningful way.
How did you first get into the profession?
I first entered the industry in 2010, right out of high school. I started working in a funeral home, knowing I wanted to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer. After relocating to Georgia, I was presented with a great opportunity to continue serving families-this time from a completely different side of the industry. It's been incredibly rewarding to support people through pre-planning and cemetery arrangements, helping them find peace of mind in the process.
What is your job like? What are you responsible for in a typical week?
My job involves working closely with both at-need and pre-need families. On a daily basis, I assist those who have just experienced a loss by helping them make immediate burial arrangements with compassion and clarity during a very emotional time. I also work with families who are planning ahead, guiding them through the pre-need process so they can make informed decisions and ease the burden on their loved ones in the future. Whether it's selecting burial spaces, choosing memorial markers, or simply offering support, I strive to make sure every family feels seen, heard, and cared for.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is the unpredictability-never knowing what each day will bring. I thrive on the moments when I feel that sudden, genuine urge to reach out to a family and offer help. Being able to step in during such a personal and emotional time, often when people least expect it, is both humbling and incredibly meaningful to me.
What do you wish more people knew about funerals and cemeteries?
I wish more people understood that funerals and cemeteries are not just about mourning a loss-they're about celebrating a life and creating a lasting legacy. Planning in advance doesn't mean expecting the worst; it means giving your family peace of mind and the space to grieve without added stress. Cemeteries are sacred places of remembrance, reflection, and even healing. They're where stories are preserved and loved ones are honored for generations to come.
What was the most memorable burial that you've helped with?
One of the most memorable burials I've helped with was for a young lady whose life was tragically taken far too soon. Supporting her family through such a sudden and heartbreaking loss was incredibly emotional. There were so many layers of grief - shock, confusion, sorrow - but also moments of profound love and unity. I worked closely with them to ensure that every detail of her burial honored her spirit and the life she lived. Seeing the community come together and witnessing the strength of her family in the face of unimaginable pain, reminded me of why this work matters. It's not just about logistics - it's about holding space for healing and remembrance.
Do you have any thoughts or recommendations for people who are grieving?
Grief is deeply personal, and there's no "right" way to experience it. One of the most important things I tell people is to be patient with themselves. Some days will feel overwhelming, while others may feel surprisingly normal - and both are okay. Give yourself permission to feel everything, without guilt or pressure to "move on."
It's also important to lean on others, even if it's just to talk or sit in silence. Whether it's a trusted friend, a grief support group, a counselor, or a faith leader, don't hesitate to seek connection. You don't have to carry your loss alone.
And finally, keep your loved one's memory alive in whatever way feels meaningful to you - whether it's through storytelling, memorial rituals, or acts of kindness done in their name. Grief is a reflection of love, and that love doesn't end. It just transforms.
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with our audience?
Yes - I want to encourage everyone to have those important conversations sooner rather than later. Talking about final arrangements isn't always easy, but it's one of the most thoughtful and loving things you can do for your family. Pre-planning not only ensures your wishes are known and honored, but it also relieves your loved ones of having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. It's about giving them peace of mind when they need it most.
And I also want people to see cemeteries differently. They aren't just places of mourning - they're places filled with stories, memories, and legacies. They offer a quiet space for reflection, healing, and connection to those who came before us. It's an honor to help families create lasting tributes that reflect the lives and love of the people they've lost.
Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about what I do and why it matters. It's a privilege to serve families, and I'm grateful every day for the trust they place in me.
