100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Real Men Magazine July Issue

COVER STORY

Mr. Juan C. Ferebee

An impeccable dresser with a loving and compassionate spirit.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland,

Inc. is full of men with various talents. One such man is Juan Ferebee, an employee of E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory who has a reputation for quality, sincerity, and trust. E. F. Boyd & Son, the oldest African American funeral home in Greater Cleveland and the oldest African American business in Cuyahoga County opened its doors in 1905. Ferebee is a good man with many great qualities. Happy with his life and the world around him, he is always willing to look out for others and help them. He seems to think positively and tends to smile and laugh more. You will know if a man has a positive attitude by how he carries himself.

Real Men Magazine wanted to share some of Ferebee’s life and job duties; we intend to make the members and public awareness of the quality of members who make up The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. It is an honor for us to introduce Juan Ferebee to you.

RM: Give us your job title and describe a little bit about what you do.

I’ve been employed by the E. F. Boyd and Son Funeral Home and Crematory family for over 30 years as a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Certified Crematory Specialist. My official title is the Manager of our Care Center, and I wear many hats, managing the funeral home operations daily.

RM: Name some of your passions and what you enjoy in life.

As odd as it may seem, I am passionate about the death care space and restoring loved ones who have died. I love what I do and the way I can give back and help grieving families.

RM: What inspired you to do the work you do.

Growing up, I wanted to pursue three career paths: being a firefighter, working for the FBI, or becoming a mortician. My passion for giving to

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THE FEREBEE FAMILY

others propelled me to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Embalming is genuinely an art, sometimes underappreciated and seldom understood. It demands courage, commitment, patience, and a deep spiritual connection to a higher power to do the work.

RM: How did you get involved with 100 Black Men

On various occasions, I was approached by my good friend and mentor, Franklin Martin, who encouraged me to join the 100 Black Men of Cleveland organization. Finally, after deep reflection and guidance from Mr. Martin, I decided to join the organization. My decision made me realize the importance of giving back and standing with these committed brothers.

Ferebee was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He has a twin sister, Juanita, and one of six siblings. A lifelong member of Everlasting Baptist Church located at 579 Eddy Road, where DeWitt Chappell, Jr. is the pastor. After graduating from high school,

Juan Feree with Marcella Boyd Cox

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Ferebee received his Bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

RM: Name some challenges you have faced with your job

Working in the death care field has its challenges, especially with babies and children. It is something I never want to get used to, but it gives me a sense of peace to help families gain some closure after suffering a loss.

Working in the death care industry in this day and time during Covid-19 has been an eye-opener. It has taught me to be more aware of significant relationships with my family. We are all in this together, and making a difference by just saying hello to a person can make their day or encourage someone. The pandemic has taken its toll, but hopefully, we can all be better due to it.

RM: Tell us about your hobbies and family

My family consists of my wife Deane, our son Christian, our daughter Logan, and our Bernese Mountain dog, Kai. Some of my hobbies include enjoying watching sports. My favorites are basketball and football. I also enjoy music, especially gospel and jazz. I also want songs and sermons by the late Bishop G.E. Patterson of Memphis, TN.

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