Kersey Funeral Home

Kersey Funeral Home, located at 108 Lake Stella Drive in Auburndale, Florida, has been a trusted pillar of the community since its founding in 1950 by Walter Kersey. For over seven decades, the Kersey family operated the funeral home with a deep commitment to compassionate care, transitioning ownership to the next generation—David Kersey and Mary Kersey Wright—in 1990, and continuing to guide its legacy even after the business was acquired by Foundation Partners Group in 2000. The funeral home serves families across Polk County and the surrounding areas, offering a comprehensive range of services including traditional burial and cremation, funeral and memorial services, pre-need planning, veterans services with military honors, ash scattering, certified celebrant ceremonies, and human composting through a partner provider. Spanish-language services are available to ensure culturally inclusive care.

The property itself is steeped in local history. The building was originally constructed between 1913 and 1914 as a private estate for citrus grower Ephraim Mikell Baynard, built by Harry Thorp. The 19-room structure, costing approximately $7,500, features eight fireplaces with distinct mantles and a wraparound porch supported by massive pillars reportedly transported via the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. Despite its modest street-facing exterior, the interior is filled with oak-trimmed windows that flood the space with natural light. The Kersey family has meticulously preserved the architectural integrity, maintaining its historical character while adapting it for modern funeral service needs. The home sits on more than seven acres of beautifully maintained grounds, offering a serene setting for families.

Kersey Funeral Home provides a chapel with lake views, private viewing rooms, and identification viewings. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating, as well as a gender-neutral restroom. Free on-site parking is available. The facility does not operate an on-site crematory or cemetery, but works closely with trusted partners to ensure seamless care. The staff, frequently praised by name in reviews, is known for its professionalism, patience, and ability to guide families through difficult decisions without pressure. With a stellar 4.9 rating on Google and 4.8 on Legacy.com, families consistently highlight the team’s kindness and attention to detail. Recent reviews commend staff members like Jennifer and Shawn for their unwavering support, treating each family with the same dignity and care they would their own. Kersey Funeral Home also offers aftercare and grief support, online arrangement options, and a free online obituary service. For those seeking a funeral home that combines historic charm with modern, personalized care, Kersey Funeral Home stands as a beacon of compassion in Auburndale.