About Us
Our History | St. Louis Oldest Black Owned
The Foundational Era
A.L. Beal Undertaking Company, Inc. was founded in 1913 by Albert Lee Beal. After moving to St. Louis, Mr. Beal, a maintenance man, was compelled into the funeral industry when he saw a crisis that many others could not bear to face.
The devastating Spanish Flu epidemic of 1912 had left families shattered. Death moved swiftly through neighborhoods, and too many black families were not given the opportunity to laid their loved ones to rest with proper care. Mr. Beal believed every life deserved honor, no matter a family’s financial standing.
Mr. Beal purchased and remodeled a home at 2726 Lucas Avenue. He transformed his home into one of the largest and most modern funeral homes of its time. The funeral home housed an all-Cadillac rolling stock, a first in St. Louis funeral industry. The luxury cars reflected his commitment to black excellence. In an era when African American families were often denied quality services, A.L. Beal stood as a symbol of pride, professionalism, and progress.
The Generational Era
When Mr. Beal passed in 1929, the torch was passed to his daughter, Birdie Beal Thompson Anderson, lovingly known throughout the city as “Cousin Birdie.” Birdie assumed leadership during one of the most difficult periods in American history. Through the Great Depression, when families struggled to afford even basic necessities, through the lingering hardships surrounding World War I and the uncertainty of World War II, Cousin Birdie kept the doors open. More importantly, she continued to service families during their darkest times.
Understanding the financial strain on working families, Birdie introduced innovative program to ease the burden of funeral expenses. In 1955, she organized the Birdie Beal Burial Plan, a forward-thinking program designed to assist families with the cost of funeral service for their loved ones. Long before Advance Arrangements became a common practice, Cousin Birdie was already educating and empowering her community.
In 1965, A.L. Beal relocated to 1150 North Kingshighway. As African American families increasingly made North St. Louis their home, A.L. Beal expanded again, opening a northwest chapel at 4746 West Florissant Avenue, featuring a newly built chapel seating more than 150 guests. This location quickly became a gathering place for remembrance, healing, and celebration of life.
Cousin Birdie and her daughter, Vora Thompson Wilson, launched the annual civic initiative, "Give 50." The program gifted 50 children with $5.00 savings bank books to encourage financial literacy and saving. In 1973, former Governor Christopher 'Kit' Bond appointed Birdie Beal Anderson, the first black female to be appointed to the Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Cousin Birdie served on the board until 1978. Her daughter, Vora Thompson Wilson, later appointed to that same board.
After the death of Vora Thompson Wilson, Charles S. Wilson, Jr., her son began to work closely with his grandmother Birdie. Following the passing of Birdie, Charles continued to guide A.L. Beal with the same commitment to excellence and community service that had defined the generations before him.
The Succession Era
Wilson agreed to sell A.L. Beal Mortuary to Charles B. Henderson, Sr., a black entrepreneur and veteran in the funeral industry. However, Charles S. Wilson, Jr.’s transitioned in July 1998 before the deal was completed. Wilson's sister, Coral Jean Beal Anderson, assumed leadership of the historic firm. With a deep respect for her family’s legacy and the weight of responsibility it carried. She lead the company during the Washington Park Cemetery project. The U.S. government built a interstate highway through the middle of a cemetery which displaced the graves of black families. Loved ones had to be relocated to other cemeteries. By the completion of the Washington Park project, Coral Jean lived Georgia with her family. She later consummated the sale of A.L. Beal to Charles B. Henderson, Sr., ensuring the continued operation of the institution their family had nurtured for decades.
Mr. Henderson owned and operated 11 funeral home throughout the south and midwest. Henderson took over A.L. Beal's operations in April of 2000. Under his leadership, A.L. Beal reached its 100th year in business, a milestone few companies every reach. Mr. Henderson relocated his family from Arkansas to Texas. In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic restricted travel. After 20 years, Mr. Henderson began discussion with Bishop Earl A Childress, II to continue the A.L. Beal legacy.
Current Era
In October 2022, St. Louis native, Bishop Earl A. Childress II, acquired A.L. Beal Mortuary. Childress is committed to preserving and advancing the original vision of the Beal family. Childress is committed to providing Care, Comfort and Compassion to our families. He is the Pastor of Christ Embassy International, Church of God in Christ. Bishop Childress brings both spiritual leadership in addition to educational and financial stewardship to this historic institution.
Today, A.L. Beal is more than a funeral home.
- It is a legacy born in crisis.
- Refined through hardship.
- Strengthened by innovation.
For over 110 year, the company has been sustained by a calling to serve families with Care, Comfort and Compassion. Since 1913, A.L. Beal has grown side by side with the families of St. Louis — and by God’s grace, the journey continues.
