Our Story
Lavenia & Summers has deep roots in Indianapolis, dating back to 1933. We are now locally owned and operated. We have a proud history of offering compassionate care with fair pricing. Great care is taken to develop and then orchestrate the unique service your loved one deserves. From traditional burial to a simple cremation memorial service, we are dedicated to meeting your wishes and budget. Cremations are performed by us, not a third party. We serve all cemeteries and can coordinate when an out-of-town death occurs.
Our updated facility offers:
- Spacious and well-decorated main chapel and event spaces
- Ample parking
- The latest broadcast and video technology
- Grace Chapel for meals and customized services
Our History
We were established by the Jacobs brothers, Plummer and Cary, in 1933 at 1207 N. West Street in Indianapolis. They added a second location at 2401 Martindale Avenue. Plummer was a longtime assistant pastor at Mount Paran Baptist Church. His wife, Lavenia, continued in the business after he died. Cary Jacobs was a lawyer, minister, and funeral director. Following his death in 1977, Jacobs Brothers Funeral Home was operated by his wife Jessie.
Lavenia later added Joseph W. Summers as a partner. He was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1977 to 1982 and became chairman on the House Committee on Public Policy. The historic bridge at Meridian Street and Fall Creek is named in his honor. In 1962 he established Summers Funeral Chapels and in 1980 merged with Lavenia Jacobs. Summers and his wife Joyce Benson had two daughters, Natalie and Vanessa Summers. The Summers relocated the business to its current location at 5811 E. 38th St. The daughters later ran the business until it was sold to Reverend Donald H. Jordan, Sr. of Ohio.
In 2016 Flanner Buchanan Funeral Centers purchased the firm from Reverend Jordan, making it locally owned again. Flanner Buchanan has roots in Indianapolis back to 1881. The Flanner and Buchanan families are active in civic affairs and Frank W. Flanner was a founder of Flanner House in 1898. It has been a perfect fit.
Lavenia & Summers is now in the capable hands of managing director George Brown.
After over 90 years, Lavenia & Summers remains committed to the community, its churches, and its people.
