Malcolm X College Mortuary Science Instructor Named '2024 Professional of the Year'

Malcolm X College Mortuary Science instructor Jerri Reed-Taylor, CFSP, CFSGM has been honored as the “2024 Professional of the Year” by the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association.

Instructor Reed-Taylor earned this distinction because she has been a licensed funeral director for at least ten years, shown commitment to the funeral service industry, contributes to the mortuary science community, and demonstrates strong ethics and professionalism.

In addition, Reed-Taylor is an author, restorative artist, and business professional. By nine, she decided that she was going to become a funeral director and devote her life to helping and serving others.

She graduated from Worsham College and obtained her license as a Funeral Director & Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator (CANA), certified pre-need consultant (CPC), certified funeral service professional (CFSP) and a certified funeral service general manager (CFSGM). Reed-Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Corporate Communications and a master’s degree with a concentration in business administration (MBA).

Reed-Taylor currently practices as a licensed funeral director/embalmer while maintaining licensure in Illinois and Indiana. She is the President of Reed-Taylor Funeral Service that she operates alongside her family and serves on the board of trustees for the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP).