History 

About the Golden Gate Family

THE BECKWITH FAMILY

 27 years of service

Mr. John E. Beckwith Sr. was born August 27, 1942 in Gilbert, Louisiana. Many who know him say that he was born with the desire and dream of owning a funeral home and helping others. Mr. Beckwith began his destiny in the funeral business at the early age of 14. Living in a rural area in Louisiana was not a hindrance for Mr. Beckwith, he was so determined that he would walk several miles and hitchhike to local funeral homes to learn the business.  With the help of friends and local funeral home owners in Louisiana he began as a Carwash Attendant and Ambulance Driver.  Because of his passion, desire and hard work he was promoted to General Manager. Mr. Beckwith not only had a desire and dream of owning a funeral home, he was an advocate of Civil Rights while in Louisiana, in this struggle for freedom and equal rights Mr. Beckwith lost many friends. His dream of owning a funeral home was intensified with the loss of his friends in the Civil Rights struggle. Mr. Beckwith realized why the passion and desire of owning a funeral home was so deeply rooted in his spirit; it was his destiny to provide families with quality and affordable funeral services.  His desires, passions and dreams led him to Dallas, TX, where he met and married the missing piece to assisting him in achieving his destiny, his soul mate and helpmate "Allene Zachery."  In Dallas Mr. Beckwith continued his quest of achieving his destiny by working for local funeral homes, Red Ball Motor Freight and as an Insurance Agent, while along with his wife raising their five children. On September 15, 1980 all of Mr. Beckwith’s hard work came to pass, his destiny was fulfilled in Waxahachie, TX where he established the first Golden Gate Funeral Home. Mr. Beckwith’s dream was to own a funeral home, but God’s plans were greater than his. With the Grace and Blessings of God, Mr. Beckwith opened a second location in Dallas, TX in 1985, known today as the corporate location and a third location in Lancaster, TX in 1999. Humbly serving over a thousand families annually has earned Mr. Beckwith the privilege of owning and operating the number one African American Funeral Home in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  Mr. Beckwith was extremely proud and honored when God again extended his favor to him and blessed him with a funeral home in his home state of Louisiana.  Beckwith Golden Gate Funeral Home was established in Tallulah, LA on July 19, 2001 and is one of the fastest growing African American Funeral Homes in North Louisiana. Mr. Beckwith works very closely with the clergy in the community by donating his time and finances.  He has a passionate belief in mentoring and helping others.  He has opened his home and business to many, and has taken them in as his own.  Many prominent pastors, ministers, business owners and productive citizens recognize Mr. Beckwith as their mentor. Mr. Beckwith is an Honorary Deputy Constable in Dallas County, Precinct One and is credited with starting the Security Ministry at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, TX, where he continues to serve.  Mr. Beckwith has received numerous awards and honors over the years in both Louisiana and Texas, for his selfless spirit and dedication.

Mrs. Allene Beckwith, was born October 15, 1942 in Texarkana, Ark. The baby girl of ten siblings, she learned at a very young age the value of family, she later relocated to Dallas, where she met John E. Beckwith as he walked from the local funeral home to the store she was managing, she stated he was the most handsome man she had ever met. Their souls were intertwined, it was God's will, they were married, and together raised their five children. Mrs. Beckwith worked in the retail business for over 20 years. John and Allene shared his dream of owning a funeral home. Mrs Beckwith had a strong Christian belief, being a virtuous woman, she instilled in her children the importance of prayer and praise, with her guidance she was able to bring together a truly family owned and operated business. Because of her undying faith she was the strength in the middle of many storms. Mrs Beckwith served as a Trustee for the Mt. Rose Church, on the usher board, and a advent supporter of the youth department. There is a Allene Beckwith scholarship fund set up for the graduating seniors of the Mt. Rose Church. Mrs. Allene Beckwith, the matriarch of the Golden Gate funeral homes went home to glory on Aug.12, 2000. Her Memory lives on forever.  The Beckwith family placed a in loving memory billboard on two major freeways in Dallas, TX.  The church fans bared her name as a token of her faithful service to her family and her community, which sparked the first ever of its kind "The In Loving Memory" billboard and fans now bare the names of every family love one that Golden Gate funeral homes serves each year. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and Golden Gate funeral home family.
 
Their son, John Beckwith Jr.- Chief Executive Officer - a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, a licensed Insurance and preneed agent. He holds a degree of Applied Science in Funeral Services. A graduate of Dallas Institute of Funeral Services and Skyline class of 1984. A advocate supporter of continuing education.  A member of the national ,state and local funeral directors association. He serves on the advisory board for national casket and chemical company on product knowledge and merchandising development programs. He has received numerous businessman of the year awards. A speaker for national, state, and local events. He has developed the ride along program for those who are interested in funeral services . He holds weekly training meeting with his staff, emphasizing the importance of client satisfaction and professionalism. A member of the supreme council of the Masons, a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret of the 32nd degree, a member of the order of the Elks, a graduate of Dallas County Police Academy, he serves as a Texas Peace Officer, a Firearms Instructor and Police Academy Instructor, he holds the rank of  Captain deputy constable for Dallas county Pct #1. He holds a certificate of rank of black belt from the USA - Korean association American Institute of Tae Kwon-Do.  He serves on the security ministry for the St. John Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, TX and member of the Mt. Rose church in Dallas, TX. John Jr.  is a strong believer in God, church and family.

Their son, Michael Ford - Serves as manager for Golden Gate Funeral Homes - Michael ensures the personal customized service creed is exhibited in Dallas, Lancaster, and Tallulah, Louisiana.  He also manages the quality limousine service provided for church pastors and their staff throughout the community. He helps to maintain the 30+ fleet of service vehicles used in providing service day-to-day operation. A family man himself: father of five and grandfather of five, families can rest assure that all their bereavement needs will continue with special care.

Their daughter, Carolyn Haynes - Chief Financial Officer - A licensed funeral director, a certified State of Texas paralegal and notary.  She serves on the distinguished advisory board of the Dallas Institute of funeral services. She holds a degree in business.  A graduate of Dallas Institute of funeral services. She worked in Corporate America for over 20 years with a local attorney and communication company. She has been awarded with the Pearl C. Anderson woman of the year award. She volunteers numerous hours to local charities, and a strong advocate of women rights.  She is a Christian woman who serves on the usher board for her church and a philanthropist to many organizations. Her proudest achievement is being a excellent wife, mother and grandmother.

Their daughter, Charlotte Beckwith - Insurance and Pre-Need Director - Insurance and preneed agent.  A graduate of Dallas Institute of funeral services, and David W. Carter class of 1983.  Charlotte uses her God given talent of basketball to excell her to new heights, receiving numerous scholarships. Charlotte used the opportunity to play on the collegiate level. Her competitive spirit has led her to become one of the top insurance and preneed agents in the Country.  She has brought a valuable personality and enthusiasm to Golden Gate funeral home.  She is a lifetime member of the Mt. Rose Church where she uses her gift of voice to praise God, and to spread his good news.

Their daughter, Denise Blackwell - Chief Marketing Officer - a graduate of Skyline class of 1981.  She holds a bachelors degree in business. A national known scholar. Denise received numerous scholarships to many major universities across the country. She serves her Country as a national government supervisor along side her husband.  Denise is very instrumental in Golden Gate funeral homes quest for continuing education, Her creative ideals has taken and will continue to take Golden Gate funeral homes to the next level.

Their adopted daughter, Cassandra Coleman - Director of Operations - A licensed funeral director, Insurance and preneed agent. A graduate of Dallas Institute of Funeral Services. Cassandra is a jewel to the Golden Gate family, the most versatile employee on staff. She brought with her from Clarksville, TX  the experience of working with a family owned and operated business.  She has work along side her parents and sibling in the best barbeque restaurant in the State of Texas, Coleman’s Barbeque in Clarksville, TX.  A graduate of Paris College with a accounting degree has made her a major asset for both companies.  Her love and caring spirit for people lead her to become a medical assistant.  She serves on the nurse’s guild and the choir at the Mt. Rose Church. A faithful Christian who loves her church and pastor.

Their granddaughter, Katrina Sims - Information Technologist- She holds a bachelors degree in Management Information Systems from East Texas State University (Texas A&M University of Commerce).  Katrina worked in the Corporate World as a quality assurance analyst, which helps prepare her for her destiny to work along side her family, Katrina has brought with her the knowledge to take the company to the new technology era, her hard work and vision has allowed Golden Gate funeral home to open its very own printing shop serving the entire community. Golden Gate funeral home has become the leader in computer technology for funeral services to better serve its families.  She is a faithful member of the Mt. Rose Church.