Reviews of Anderson Funeral Services (Mortuary)

Kandace Massenburg

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, where should I start my review of Anderson's Funeral Services? As you may or may not know, Anderson's is known as pillar in the community. Excellence, and more specifically Black Excellence is what they where known for, however, the service my family received in relation to my grandmother's post life arrangements was abysmal and even that's not a strong enough word to accurately depict what we have endured over the past 37 days. Crystal and Joy were an absolute nightmare. I first came to know Crystal when she suddenly stopped returning my mother and uncle's phone calls. My grandmother passed on the 1st, and as the end of the month approached, we were left wondering when my grandmother would be cremated, so we could get some much-needed closure. Eventually, we got a call back and found out she had been cremated for 2 weeks. . . TWO. WEEKS! When Joy was pressed about why she could not be bothered to inform us of the cremation, she brushed us off like we were nobodies. My mother and I traveled from out of state to obtain the death certificates from Joy, and we met Crystal face to face. We were met with a woman struggling to use her iPhone. Crystal's office is in complete disarray. Between the assorted papers, complete disregard for technology, and other issues I will address below, I knew walking in this was not going to be an easy thing. While we waited for Joy (again, we're traveling from out-of-state so we arrived early) my mother asked Crystal why my grandmother's obituary was never posted on their website despite us being charged for it and her receiving all the pertinent details. Crystal informs us that she "doesn't go on the websites" people "aren't posting obituaries anymore" due to COVID and the likes. First and foremost that is a lie as her website is updated consistently and secondly, it is OUR decision as to whether or not we want the obituary made public. As our conversation continued, Crystal requested a photo of my grandmother from us. When my mother inquired why she needed a photo she told us it was so "they knew what to do when they were working on her". . . In case yawl forgot we cremated my grandmother and Crystal/Joy conveniently forgot to inform us. When my mother reminded her of this she shrugged her shoulders. When we realized talking to Crystal was only going to lead to additional frustration, we asked to sit in the waiting area until Joy arrived. As we sat, I noticed several white bags casually sitting on a credenza. I recalled seeing 2 additional white bags under Crystal's desk. The spirit told me these bags contained the remains of people's loved ones, and unfortunately Joy confirmed that upon her arrival. Joy casually pops in a few minutes before our scheduled meeting time and goes through the paper work with my mother. Once they are done she offered my grandmother's remains to my mother despite us paying for them to transport them for us and my suspicions were confirmed; each one of those white bags contained remains, and they were casually sitting around with no dignity or privacy. I was appalled. To make things worse, my family already mailed (because Crystal informed us they only take cash and checks) the payment to Anderson's via certified mail and received confirmation it was received. In short, they need to find and cash the check. It is truly their issue and not ours. Joy insisted payment had not been received and kept bothering my mother about it. Insanity! I'm completely taken aback and quite frankly traumatized by this experience. I wouldn't let Anderson Funeral Services bury my left toe nail let alone somebody I care about. The lack of professionalism, care, and empathy was absolutely disgusting. The inability to keep up with the times (because the office looks like the 70s threw up) is perplexing. Crystal, it's time to hang it up sis! If you need your loved one put away don't come up in here! One of the hardest things you can do is bury a loved one, and Crystal and Joy don't make the process any easier.

Antoinette Donaldson

My nephew passed away suddenly and were had no idea of what to do. Crystal and her staff were kind, compassionate caring and sympathetic. They made me feel comfortable and at ease at a very difficult time. Thank you for your live and hugs.

Klara Lekics

After more than a year, my issue is finally resolved. Anderson funeral home took payment for my father’s cremation, including his obituary but never followed through with service. They also showed up 20min late to my father’s cremation. After months of no response from them, whether it’s the fault of their lack of care or their answering services, I finally made a complaint with the better business bureau. FlNALLY, they began to take my complaint seriously and made steps to correct their mistake. They blamed the newspaper for this mistake, but after speaking with the Home News Tribune my father’s obituary was never even submitted to them. I strongly advise you stay away from this funeral home.

Gee Girl

VERY UNPROFESSIONAL CREAMATED MY AUNT WAS Paid January 3, 2022 I am still waiting for her REMAINS and DEATH CERTIFICATE.! I was told by Doris Funeral Director they would be shipped initially. Crystal Owner stated there is a price over 100.00 NEVER CLARIFIED PRICE OR RETURN CALLS TEXT ME ONLY.c CREMATION of my aunts body found dead by Cousin who NEGLECTED TO CALL MEDICAL EXAMINER for AUTOPSY! SUSPICIOUS Death. Anderson funeral Parlor New Brunswick NJ