Our Staff

Marcus A. Allen

President

Marcus A. Allen is a trailblazing, visionary leader, father, musician, musical artist, and entrepreneur committed to the call of God on his life.

Marcus A. Allen is the continuing legacy of a strong Christian family, and his mother, Rev. Mahalia Allen, is an ordained minister. He was born and raised in Live Oak, Florida and is the baby of four children. In 1995, while still a very young man, Rev. Allen was called to the preaching ministry and ordained in Live Oak, Florida under the leadership of Bishop Henry H. Smart, Jr. As a true visionary and being an individual who has been called to operate far beyond the restraints of traditionalism, he moved to Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He serves as the Associate Minister and Minister of Music of the Friendly Baptist Church under the tutelage of Dr. J.N. Lavender. 

The heart of Rev. Allen’s ministry can be felt through his musical gift.  As a songwriter, musician, and vocalist, he has shared the message of Christ’s love through song throughout the United States of America. Marcus is the founder and the original lead singer for National Gospel Recording Artist “The Supreme 7”.  He has studied at the Mana Bible Institute and served as minster of music for churches such as the historical Cornerstone Baptist Church. 

Marcus Allen’s relentless pursuit for excellence has propelled him to provide high quality professional and exceptional funeral services to families across Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Allen’s journey of providing efficient funeral service started at a young age in Live Oak, Florida where he worked and served with the late Charles T. Hall. After leaving Florida, Marcus has managed some of the most prestigious funeral homes in the Philadelphia area. He is the President of the Meachem Funeral Home Corporation in Philadelphia, PA and Meachem, Rowland Funeral Home in Pennsauken, NJ. He is the Executive Director of the Phillip & Wiley Mortuary of Gainesville Florida and presently the Meachem & Prioleau Funeral Home in Philadelphia PA. He has served as a youth counselor, and Assistant Director of Youth Empowerment for the Life Skills Center and counselor for BBC Young Male Expansion Program under the late Pastor A.W. Dock and Dr. Brenda L. Richmond.

A highly regarded National Singer, Musician and Preacher; Rev. Allen has traveled extensively singing and preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and compelling the lost to come to Christ. He is highly regarded by his peers as the “Singing, Preaching Undertaker”. He believes that God has a plan for all of our lives and only we can stop, prevent, or hinder our God-given destiny. Rev. Allen believes that the Church is God’s greatest weapon to fight poverty, self-hatred, hunger, and ignorance. He is a member of the local minister’s conferences and several community organizations. While Reverend Allen’s accomplishments are numerous, his most important and proudest accomplishment is being the proud father to Makaila and Arianna Allen.

Vernon I. Prioleau, Jr.

Vice President

Taneesha L. Smith

Supervisor & Licensed Funeral Director

Taneesha L. Smith is a licensed funeral director born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. In 2013, she graduated from the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA. After graduating she moved to Delaware where she began her career and received her license in 2015. In addition to being licensed in Delaware, she is also in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Taneesha is very dedicated to her profession and she takes pride and honor in serving the families she come in contact with.

Ashmead E. Swain

Executive Manager

Kyjuan T. Westry

Licensed Funeral Director

Ladies of Meachem & Prioleau Funeral Home

Staff