Veteran
Staff

From Serving Our Country to Serving Our Community

At Paradise Memorial, we are honored to have staff members who are veterans, having proudly served our country with unwavering dedication and integrity.

These distinguished individuals now bring the same level of commitment, belief, and passion to serving our community’s families.

Their military experience has instilled in them a profound sense of duty, respect, and compassion, which they carry into their roles in the funeral profession.

Whether providing comfort during times of loss or ensuring every detail is handled with care, our veteran staff members are dedicated to honoring the lives of those we serve, just as they honored their country.

Meet Our Veteran Staff

Taahiraa S. Thomas

Director of Preneed and Certified Preneed Consultant, MAFM

I began my journey in the U.S. Army at the age of 17, right after graduating from high school. Seeking new challenges and a clear direction for their future, they chose the Army as the best path forward, opting for a life of service over staying home or immediately pursuing college.

Throughout my military career, I developed a strong foundation in confidence and adaptability—qualities that have consistently proven invaluable. My ability to adjust to unexpected situations, combined with their disciplined approach, has allowed them to navigate complex challenges effectively and efficiently. In every difficult situation, I start by following protocol and quickly works to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances. This methodical approach ensures that decisions are made with both clarity and precision, leading to successful outcomes.

Beyond my military service, I have accumulated extensive experience in leadership and teamwork across various professional settings and organizations. I understand that collaboration is essential, whether working with colleagues, friends, or family, and they have consistently demonstrated a capacity to lead by example while valuing the contributions of others.

Michelle Brown

Executive Administrator

I proudly served in the United States Army, where I honed their skills in leadership, responsibility, and discipline. Through rigorous training and real-world experience, I developed the ability to lead by example, making sound decisions under pressure while guiding their teams toward successful outcomes. This military background has equipped me with a strong foundation in strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving—qualities that they continue to apply in their professional endeavors today.

Deacon Dalton Alfred Andrews

Funeral Director Assistant/Clergy

After graduating from Marshall High School in the inner city of Chicago, IL, I chose to follow in the footsteps of their father, a dedicated U.S. Marine who served for 32 years. Inspired by a strong sense of duty and the desire to continue my father’s legacy, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

During my time in the Marines, I served a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. This experience was both challenging and formative, shaping my perspective on service, leadership, and resilience. After completing my tour, I was stationed in Norfolk, VA, where I continued to serve with honor until receiving an honorable discharge.

Today, I still carry the values and lessons learned from my their time in the Marine Corps, applying them in all aspects of life and work today.

Veteran Staff