James and Annie Mae Woods opened the James Woods Funeral Parlor in 1928. Today it is one of the oldest black-owned and operated businesses in Pasadena. After running the business for 20 years, James encouraged his nephews,Fred and Clifton Valentine, to earn degrees in Mortuary Science and run the business. In 1963, the Valentines relocated the business to1455 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Anew edifice was built, which received an award from the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation. Valentines served on many boards of directors including the NAACP and the Urban League. They have contributed generously to many scholarship funds, church programs, and youth sports organizations.
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