Pye Funeral Home has served as a pillar in Detroit for over three decades. Established in 1980 by Ozie Henry Pye III, Pye Funeral Home provides pre-planning information, funeral services, and grief support services. Ozie Henry Pye IV has served as president and executive director of Pye Funeral Home since 2005.
Pye Funeral Home is hosting a panel discussion called Slice of Pye at the Rivera Cinema on Feb. 20, 2018. Marvel’s Black Panther will be shown directly after the panel.
We interviewed Ozie Henry Pye IV about the funeral home and screening.
On the history of Pye Funeral Home:
My father, Ozie Henry Pye III, started the business back in 1980. I was 4 years old at the time. My grandfather convinced my father to start the business based on his personality and leadership skills. My mother also went into the business with my father and ran it from 1980 to 2005. When they retired, my wife and I took over the business. We still look to them for guidance and advice, as well.
On hesitations of taking over the business after his father:
There was a lot of pressure in taking over the business. I knew I couldn’t be the weak link in the chain, but I also knew that I was equipped for this because of my father’s teachings.
On the upcoming Slice of Pye panel and Black Panther movie screening:
At Pye, we wanted to celebrate the movie and educate our people at the same time. Prior to the movie, we will have a panel discussion about the importance of planning ahead for funerals, establishing wills and obtaining proper insurance. Karen Dumas will be the moderator for the panel, and we rented out the Riviera Cinema for the event. There will also be 150 individuals in attendance.
In Black Panther, the protagonist lost his father and he’s trying to put his life back together. This is a metaphor for what a lot of people go through. At this event, we want people to plan while they still have time. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your affairs in order.
The Slice of Pye panel will take place from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Black Panther will begin promptly at 8:00 pm. Participants must register and attend the pre-planning session to gain access to the film, which includes one movie ticket, popcorn, and pop. Doors will open at 6:00 pm.
