News & Events

Summer Service of Remembrance and Hope

On Saturday, June 26th over thirty folks representing fourteen families gathered at Bliley’s Augusta Chapel for our Service of Remembrance and Hope. For those families this is a time to commemorate and celebrate the lives of their loved ones and to envision a new future for themselves. 

The service began with a simple lighting of candles to invoke the presence of all the deceased. Rev. Rob Dawson, the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA spoke in a gentle and deliberate manner to those gathered of the importance of tears and taking little steps on the journey of hope. First, he counseled us to not be afraid or ashamed of our tears for they are an important expression of that bond we have with our loved one. Secondly, he encouraged us to take whatever steps we can along the journey of grief. No step is too little. 

Finally we asked our families to dream a future for themselves. They wrote down something that their loved ones would want them to do for themselves; a promise between the two of them. After the final blessing light refreshments were enjoyed by all.

One person commented that this Service of Remembrance offered them a time for their families to gather and remember someone special. Several people expressed their appreciation for Pastor Dawson’s sermon and the kindness and compassion showed by the Blileys. It was truly a time to Celebrate Every Life. 

Remembrance Service Comments

Candles, a living flame of our loved ones

A big thanks to all who assisted with the Remembrance Service Saturday, January 23rd. Fifteen families were accompanied by about 60 relatives and friends to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Managers from each of our three locations, Jim Dickerson, Ronnie Duggan and Colin Cluff greeted the families and friends as they came into the Augusta Chapel. Sandra Williams, a funeral assistant, set up the Family Room for the refreshments after the service and assisted the families when they lighted the candles. As you will see by the comments, the Rev. Ryan Kuratko, rector of Immanuel Old Church Episcopal, was a big hit with those present. At the end of the candle lighting we asked if anyone wanted to remember anyone else. About eight folks stood up, said a name and lit a candle until they were all lit. One comment sums up the impact of difference Bliley’s makes. “The fact that you took the time and effort to remember those we love means the world to me. God bless each of you!” 

Rob Hagan
Post Service Care Coordinator

What did you like about the service of Remembrance?

• Our family, whom I do not see often, got together.
• Some cute little icing on the wonderful way Bliley’s treated our family.
• It is nice to take the time to remember and honor our loved ones. Thank you for having the service.
• Felt that it celebrated their lives.
• The priest, sensitive, real.
• It was very interesting to see all the other family members – all shapes, sizes and ages of people. Everyone lost someone like I did.
• Being able to honor my husband by lighting a candle.
• Candles, a living flame of our loved ones.
• Yes, to know and see I am not alone.
• Calling the community to a meeting. Ability to feel release and articulate one’s feelings. “Yesterday” poem.
• The lighting of candles. Rev. Kuratko’s service. The chance to gather, remember and memorialize.
• The Service was very helpful. The speaker, Ryan.
• The lighting of the Candles and the Calling of the person’s name.
• Very uplifting and encouraging.
• Comforting. Rev. Ryan was great! Thank you.
• Lighting the candles.
• The fact that you took the time & effort to remember those we love means the world to me. God bless each of you!
• Time to reflect. Helpful to remember my father-in-law.

 Holiday Celebrations at Bliley's

Staff at Bliley's Central location on Augusta Avenue were treated to a holiday breakfast hosted by managers Jim Dickerson, Bill Carter, Donna Harris, and training director James Barnett. A breakfast buffet of homemade favorites and a made-to-order omelet cooking station were enjoyed by employees and some of our retirees as well. The managers and staff at the Chippenham and Staples Mill Road locations also hosted holiday gatherings for their staff.

The Bliley family hosted a company-wide party in the newly redecorated reception room on Augusta Avenue. Special thanks to our friends at Richmond Coach for their generous additions to the buffet, and for their company as well.

Bliley manager installed as President of local funeral directors association. 

Jim Dickerson’s, manager of Bliley’s central location on Augusta Avenue was recently installed as the 2010 president of the Central District Funeral Directors Association.

Bottom left: Bliley’s Chippenham manager, Bob Brown (left), and Staples Mill manager, Marshall Hart (right), congratulate Jim with a double handshake following the installation of officers.

Bottom right: Norbert Bliley (left) and Nick Bliley (right) share good wishes with Jim at the installation ceremony. 

Adult Bereavement Education and Support Group
Hope for the Holidays - A Four Week Workshop on Coping with Grief during the Holidays
Sponsored By Comfort Zone Camp

After the death of a loved one, the Holidays can be an especially emotional and difficult time of year. Additional stress from the Holiday season can affect us emotionally, cognitively and physically if we’re not prepared. Join us on Monday nights to gain support from others who are in a similar situation and discover coping mechanisms that will help make the holidays more enjoyable.

Where: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
Address: 11220 Nuckols Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060
When: Mondays November 23rd - December 14th
Time: 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm

*Child Care will be provided for children ages 5 years and older *Participation is “FREE of charge” although space is limited, please register in advance.

For additional information or to register, please contact www.comfortzonecamp.org and look for Support Groups.

You may also contact Patti Cox 804-840-6454.

During the next 12 months, our president Carey Bliley will be featured in a series of interviews about the Bliley company and the funeral industry.

Join us monthly to learn more about Bliley’s 135 years as a family-owned and operated Richmond business, our services, changes and trends in the funeral industry, advance planning, and much more.

The 5th Annual Richmond Italian Street Festival is coming!

Saturday October 10th and Sunday October 11th
Richmond Raceway Complex: Horticultural Gardens   

Bliley’s is again one of the sponsors of the Richmond Italian Street Festival!! Experience the amazing entertainment, culture and of course food of Italy right here in Richmond. This two day festival is sure to inspire your pallet, lift your spirits and definitely fill your belly!

The Richmond Italian Street Festival has outgrown its current location and is moving...The beautiful Horticultural Gardens of the Richmond Raceway Complex are transformed into an authentic Italian Village with all the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Italian street festival. Make plans now to attend. By the end of the weekend, you'll be speaking Italian!

www.richmonditalianfestival.com 

 Service of Remembrance and Hope
Time of Closeness and Inner Peace
 

On Saturday, June 27th seventeen folks representing ten families gathered at Bliley’s Augusta Chapel for our Service of Remembrance and Hope.  For those families this is a time to commemorate and celebrate the lives of their loved ones and to envision a new future for themselves.

The service began with a simple lighting of candles to invoke the presence of all the deceased.  The Rev. Wallace Adams-Riley, the rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, then spoke inspiring words of encouragement to those attending.  He invited us to reflect on the journey from remembering through grieving and giving thanks to celebrating and love.  The journey and destination is always love. 

Finally we asked our families to dream a future for themselves.  They wrote down something that their loved ones would want them to do for themselves; a promise between the two of them. After the final blessing light refreshments were enjoyed by all. 

One person commented that this Service of Remembrance offered them a time of closeness and inner peace with their loved one.  It was truly a time to Celebrate Every Life.