Phaedra Parks is opening up, revealing that she personally embalmed her grandmother, describing it as a final act of love. An experience, she says, reshaped how she views death, family, and care.
The former The Real Housewives of Atlanta star shared that her decision was rooted in how she understands the embalming process, describing it as intimate and hands-on. According to Phaedra, the experience involves bathing the deceased and spending quiet time with them in a way that allows for a meaningful goodbye. She explained that, for her, it was not something to simply get through but rather “the last thing that you can do for somebody you love.”
Phaedra embalmed her grandmother in 2012, a moment that reflected both her personal values and her professional interests. Now 44 and a mother of two, she balances two very different careers, practicing law during the day while working in the funeral industry during off-hours. She noted that embalming typically takes place overnight, describing it as the quietest time to do the work. Her schedule allows her to move between both worlds, with legal work filling her weekdays and funeral services often taking place on weekends.
She pointed out that Saturdays are traditionally when many funerals are held in Black communities, which aligns with her availability outside of the courtroom. This rhythm, she explained, has made it possible to maintain both professions without conflict.
Her path into the funeral business was not planned but developed during a difficult period in her life. Phaedra shared that she experienced a series of personal losses over two consecutive years, including the deaths of her sister, her law partner, and two close friends. The weight of that grief led her to spend time in funeral homes, where she began learning about the process and eventually developed a deeper connection to the work.
What began as a way to cope with loss grew into a second calling. For Phaedra Parks, the act of embalming, especially when it involved her own grandmother, became a way to honor loved ones with care and intention, marking a final moment of closeness before letting go.
