Our Heritage

Woods-Valentine Mortuary was established by James and Annie Mae Woods. James Woods came to Pasadena, California in 1922 from Gonzales, Texas. He was determined to take advantage of every opportunity to make a better life for he and his family. He operated a shoe shine stand at Union Street and Fair Oaks Avenue, in the area which is now Old Town Pasadena. Across the street from his stand was Reynolds and Eberle Mortuary, a white owned establishment. James began to work part-time at Reynolds and Eberle and learned the business. He graduated from California College of Mortuary Science 1926 and opened the doors of James Woods Funeral Parlor on December 15, 1928. The original mortuary was located at 87 S. Vernon Street, in Pasadena, California.

"Jimmy", as James was affectionately called by many in the community,   operated the business along with his wife, Annie Mae Woods. Annie Mae was a cosmetologist. They quickly built a reputation for providing a professional and dignified funeral service. Fred and Clifton Valentine and James Adkins, Jimmy's nephews, worked around the business growing up. Jimmy loved family and encouraged them to learn the business.

James Woods passed away in 1950. His nephew Fred W. Valentine, operated the business for Annie Mae Woods until November 1954, when he and his wife, Arzella J. Valentine, purchased it. In 1958 the mortuary was renamed, Woods-Valentine Mortuary. In 1963, Fred and Arzella built the mortuary at it's current location, 1455 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena and selected their motto "Our Aim Is To Be Worthy Of Your Confidence." They have continued the family tradition of providing caring and professional services to the community.