Woods-Valentine Mortuary Honored as 41st District Black-Owned Business of the Year

California State Assemblymember Chris Holden named Woods-Valentine Mortuary as the 41st District Black-owned Business of the Year during the Annual Legislative Black Business Brunch in honor of Black History Month.

The selection, which underscores the mortuary’s long-standing service and commitment to the community, was made in collaboration with the California Black Chamber of Commerce and the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Woods-Valentine Mortuary, a third-generation Black-owned business established in 1928 by James and Annie Mae Woods, has been a cornerstone of the San Gabriel Valley, Riverside, and Palmdale areas. After James Woods passed away in 1954, the business continued under his nephew, Fred W. Valentine, who later renamed it Woods-Valentine Mortuary.

In 1963, Fred Valentine and his wife Arzella constructed a new mortuary facility in North Pasadena, earning accolades such as the prestigious Pasadena Beautiful Foundation Award for Commercial Design. Today, the business is proudly co-owned and operated by the couple’s daughters, Janyce L. Valentine and Gail Valentine-Taylor.

In a statement, Assemblymember Holden highlighted the mortuary’s commitment to providing dignified funeral services to hundreds of families over the decades.

“For more than 95 years, the Woods-Valentine family has served our community and been active members of numerous national, state, and local funeral and civic engagement organizations,” Holden said. “Their unwavering commitment to providing funeral services with dignity and excellence to hundreds of families throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Riverside, and Palmdale area is unmatched.”

Arzella J. Valentine said the family has been blessed to serve the community for three generations.

“Our aim has always been to be worthy of the confidence families placed in us,” she said. “Providing professional and personal service is most important to us. We are very thankful to be honored by Assemblymember Chris Holden.”

Originally located at 87 S. Vernon Street in Pasadena, Woods-Valentine Mortuary moved to 1455 N. Fair Oaks Ave. in 1963 and continues to serve the communities of Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, Glendale, Arcadia, Los Angeles, Duarte, Eagle Rock, and Inland Empire.

For more information, visit www.woodsvalentinemortuary.com.