Hi friends! 

 

Welcome back! We’re so excited to continue sharing the incredible stories rooted in the very walls of the beautiful building The Raven calls home. Stories that honor the people who helped shape history in powerful ways. 

Today, we’re shining a light on Lawton L. Pratt, Florida’s second licensed Black funeral director, the first operator of what was the state’s oldest operating funeral home until it closed its doors in 2019, and a true trailblazer for both African Americans and women in the funeral industry. 

Pratt’s legacy began with the founding of  Hillman-Pratt & Walton Funeral Home in 1900. This remarkable establishment wasn’t just a funeral home. They offered embalming services,  life insurance policies, and even caskets for sale (fun fact – in “Sanctuary” – our showcase apartment on the first floor – an original casket found in the building now serves as the kitchen island). 

Lawton Pratt made history not only through his business but also through his advocacy. As a founding member of the Florida Morticians Association, he helped open doors for others. One of the most notable, Delia Joan Brown, was able to serve her apprenticeship in Florida thanks to Pratt’s support. This qualified her for the state board and paved the way for more women in the field. 

In the early 1900s, when segregation was deeply entrenched, white funeral homes rarely hired Black directors and often refused service to Black families. Lawton Pratt changed that. He created a dignified and accessible space for his community at a time when such services were otherwise denied. Every Black funeral home in Florida today can trace its roots back to Pratt’s influence, mentorship, and pioneering business model. 

He continued to serve until his passing in 1943 at the age of 56. His legacy lived on through Oscar Hillman and his wife Evelyn, who took the reins and carried on his mission from his teachings. Today, the spirit of that work, history, and hospitality continues within the walls of The Raven.