Our staff's commitment to you
Staff members of Paradise Memorial Funeral Home are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.
Our President
I am honored that my peers at the Wisconsin Funeral Director’s Association 138th Annual Convention were confident in my ability to lead our great state to guide them as their President. These are the bravest groups of professionals that I know. They work tirelessly around the clock to meet the needs of Wisconsin bereaved families.
- Dr. Camelia L. Clarke
Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, DBA
President/LFD
Camelia brings over 20 years of service in the funeral industry as a licensed funeral director. She is also a licensed insurance intermediary for the state of Wisconsin. She is an active member of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and Selected Independent Funeral Homes. She is the Past President of the Milwaukee Waukesha County Funeral Directors (MWCFDA) the Immediate Past President of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association (WFDA).
Camelia L. Clarke graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Cardinal Stritch University (BSBA), Marquette University (EMBA), and the University-Wisconsin Whitewater with a Doctorate of Business Administration.
She has served on other boards including the MATC Funeral Service Advisory Board, Prince Hall Masonic Foundation, Zonta International Club of Milwaukee, Outreach Community Health Care Center, and the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce.
She is an active member of Unity Grand Chapter O.E.S., Sarah’s Joy Chapter #8 O.E.S., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter in Milwaukee.
Camelia has been an active church member of the Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ for many years. She is the wife of Marcel and is the mother of four wonderful children Raja’ee, Jazzmin, Mariah, and Mia Clarke.
Marcel A. Clarke, MBA
Vice President/LAFD
Marcel graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science with a Degree in Applied Science. Marcel also received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Degree from Southern University A&M and a Business Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies from Herzing University. Marcel completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from Cardinal Stritch University.
Marcel is extremely active in the Milwaukee Community and has served on numerous boards of directors and community organizations including Beckum/Stapleton Little League Board of Directors, and the Clarence Parrish Foundation.
Marcel is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he serves as the 10th District Keeper of Finance as well as several other committees. Marcel is also a proud member of the Prince Hall Masonic Family where he is a Past Master of True Square Lodge #11, Past Commander in Chief of Ionic Consistory # 70, Illustrious Potentate of Zembo Temple # 70, Shiloh Chapter # 2 and a Past Patron of Sarah’s Joy Chapter # 8.
Marcel is an active church member of the Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ where he proudly serves as a Deacon. He is the proud husband of Camelia and the father of Raja’ee, Jazzmin, Mariah, and Mia Clarke.
Taahiraa S. Thomas
Director of Preneed and Certified Preneed Consultant, MAFM
Taahiraa S. Thomas is a proud native of Chicago, IL, and a veteran of the United States Army. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2001 from Upper Iowa University. She also received a Masters of Accounting and Financial Management Concentration: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Taahiraa has spent most of her career as an Accomplished Business Banking Professional with more than ten years of experience in business planning and investment services for small businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Taahiraa has extensive knowledge of financial reporting and analysis and valuations in addition to volunteerism, leadership, and community service.
Taahiraa joined Paradise Memorial Funeral Home preneed department in August 2015 provides personalized aftercare services to all families.
Taahiraa is a member of Sarah’s Joy Chapter #8, O.E.S, VOTFC, Inc. Treasurer and member of their Board of Directors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter in Milwaukee and Unity Grand Chapter Foundation, Inc., Scholarship Co-Chair. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful sons Tejun, Tariq, and Tamir Thomas.
Whitley Cotton
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director
Whitley Cotton has been a valued member of the Paradise Memorial Team since 2017, serving as a Licensed Funeral Apprentice Director. With a deep passion for helping families plan memorable homegoing services for their loved ones, Whitley also specializes in mortuary related cosmetics and hairstyling. Whitley cherishes the ongoing support the community has shown to Paradise Memorial over the years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate Degree in Funeral Service, Whitley brings both knowledge and compassion to exceed families’ needs. Outside of work, Whitley is a proud mother of four.
Anderson Randolph
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director
Anderson Randolph is a native of Milwaukee, WI, and worked in the banking industry before joining Paradise Memorial Funeral Home in 2012.
Anderson is a graduate of the Milwaukee Area Technical College funeral service program.
He is an active member of the New Testament Church of Milwaukee and serves on the Board of Deacons.
He is the loving husband of Alfreda and proud father of Cody, Tyson, Chaz, and Andernesha.
Pastor Benjamin A. Robinson
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director and Chaplin
Benjamin Robinson received his early education at Believers in Christ Christian Academy. Benjamin Robinson completed his middle school years in 1999 at Holy Redeemer Christian Academy and went on to graduate high school in 2003 at The New School for Community service where he served as senior class president and MPS liaison.
Benjamin Robinson did his undergraduate studies at North Central College in Naperville, IL, where he double majored in Political Science and Sociology and minored in Religious Studies.
Benjamin Robinson was blessed to marry his beautiful wife, Keyona, on June 8, 2013. One of Benjamin’s favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”
Shana Belle Zakrzewski
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director
Shana Belle Zakrzewski, our compassionate Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director has served our community’s families 2022. With a desire to guide those through grief, Shana illuminates the path for families in need of support.
Embracing her local and professional community, Shana actively participates in various organizations, including WFDA, NFDA, United Methodist Children’s Services, National Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Sigma Phi Sigma. Her diverse skill set, including a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomy and EKG diploma earned in 2010 and a Funeral Services AAS earned in 2023, enables her to exceed client needs. Beyond her professional life, Shana relishes her roots in Milwaukee, WI, with 14 siblings. Outside of the office, Shana enjoys skating, dancing, poetry, community service, gunnery, rollercoasters, and exploring new places.
Ted Henderson
Preneed Director
Ted Henderson is a native of Milwaukee, WI, and retired from Milwaukee County. He has been employed with Paradise Memorial Funeral for since 2002 as an active Preneed Counselor.
Ted has helped hundreds of families deliver the “gift” of preplanning to their loved ones. Ted has been an active member of the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church for many years and served on the Trustee Board.
He is very active in the community and enjoys bowling and playing cards. He is the proud father of Jerome and Renee Henderson.
Michelle Brown
Executive Administrator
With her empathetic nature, diverse skill set, and dedication to providing exceptional funeral services, Michelle Brown is an invaluable asset to the Paradise Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services team.
What sets Michelle apart is her unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care to grieving families. She believes in showing the utmost empathy during the worst times of their lives, making a meaningful difference when it matters the most. Michelle’s genuine concern for others shines through in her work, creating a safe and supportive environment for families as they navigate through their loss.
Outside of work, Michelle cherishes her personal life. She is happily married and the proud parent of four children. Recently, she has reignited her passion for traveling, embracing new adventures and experiences.
Dennis Grey
Senior Funeral Director Assistant
Meet Dennis Gray, our Senior Funeral Assistant at Paradise Memorial and Leon L. Williamson Funeral Home since 2005. With a passion for helping families in their time of need, Dennis finds inspiration in being of service to those seeking support during difficult times. As a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, he takes great pride in being an integral part of the community he calls home. Dennis is an active member of Embassy Church, formerly Parklawn Assembly of God, where he engages with various public entities and organizations.
Dennis’s attentive eye for detail and commitment to perfection allows him to exceed client needs, ensuring that every aspect of the funeral is meticulously taken care of for the grieving families. Outside of work, Dennis cherishes his role as a devoted father, friend, and family man, carrying on a legacy of entrepreneurship from his family’s line of businesses, including Gray’s Barbershop and Gray’s Show Repair. With a deep love for the Milwaukee Bucks and a passion for cars, Dennis embraces life with enthusiasm and empathy, making him an invaluable member of team.
Raja'ee Vasser
Funeral Director Assistant
Raja’ee H. Vasser represents the second generation of Paradise Memorial Funeral & Cremation and has grown up around the funeral home. Unsurprisingly, he has a passion for finding ways to alleviate the burden of loss. Raja’ee strives to make the homegoing process a little bit easier for grieving families through his digital media talents.
Actively involved in the community, Rajaee is associated with organizations such as the NAACP, Center for Teaching Entrepreneurship, and Good Samaritan, all to support cultural and economic empowerment in the Milwaukee area.
Raja’ee’s dedication and strong communication methods make him an invaluable asset to the Paradise Memorial family and our community. With a focus on family support and empowerment, Raja’ee looks forward to serving future generations.
Raja’ee was a standout collegiate football player at Concordia St-Paul, where he studied business management.
Daequan Griffin
Funeral Director Assistant
Daequan Griffin joined the Paradise Memorial Family in 2022 as a Funeral Director Assistant. He finds fulfillment and purpose in helping families during life’s toughest moments. Dedicated to providing compassionate support, Daequan believes in the strength of a diverse and united community. Daequan work at Paradise Memorial allows him to interact with diverse individuals and families. With a focus on empathy and assistance, Daequan ensures that the needs of families are met to the best of their abilities.
Tariq Thomas
Funeral Service Assistant
Meet Tariq Thomas, our compassionate Funeral Assistant at Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services since 2020. Tariq finds fulfillment in his role by interacting with families and being a dependable support during their times of grief. As a young man in the industry, he takes pride in helping families take care of their loved ones during difficult times and being a source of comfort and guidance.
Beyond his work at the funeral home, Tariq actively engages with the community he serves. In his spare time, he serves as a lead juvenile worker for the state of Wisconsin, mentoring youth and young adults to utilize education as a pathway to success. Born and raised in Milwaukee, he is deeply connected to the community and seeks to make a positive impact by supporting and uplifting the younger generation. Alongside his dedication to his profession, Tariq is a devoted father to his son and is pursuing his dream of becoming a Licensed Architect, completing his degree at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Michael Martin
Retired Senior Funeral Director Assistant
Michael “Mike” Martin is a native of Milwaukee, WI, and is a retired school teacher from Milwaukee Public Schools. Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Whitewater.
He joined the staff at Paradise Memorial Funeral Home part-time in 2005 as a representative and the head livery service driver.
He is a very active member of Christ the King Baptist Church and is the proud father of 3 children.
I recently worked with Paradise Memorial Funeral Home during a difficult time, and I couldn't be more grateful for their exceptional service. From the moment I contacted them, they handled everything with professionalism and compassion.
Their staff went above and beyond to accommodate my needs and wishes, ensuring that every detail was taken care of seamlessly. They guided me through the process with empathy and sensitivity, making a challenging situation much more manageable for my family. The facility was comforting and well-maintained, providing an environment for me to discuss how to celebrate my loved one.
I recommend Paradise Memorial to anyone in need of compassionate and reliable planning and funeral services. Their dedication was felt, and I am grateful for their support.