Today we’d like to introduce you to Larnique Mickens

Hi Larnique, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

How does one go from military service to the world of funeral directing? Well, grab a seat; I’ve got a story for you! My journey begins in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, where I was raised by two incredible women—my mother and grandmother—who instilled in me the values of hard work, compassion, and community service.
After proudly serving 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, I transitioned into civilian life. But instead of jumping straight into a new career, I found myself becoming my husband’s trusted note-taker. You see, he has penmanship that even the best decoders would struggle to understand! At first, I thought my role was just to jot down his notes and offer advice when family members reached out. I would often joke that my words didn’t really matter; I was just there to ensure his message was clearly conveyed.

But when my husband fell ill, I knew I had to step up. Armed with my Master’s in Business Administration and a heart full of determination, I decided to take the leap and become a Funeral Director. I studied diligently, passed the necessary exams, and earned my license.

To my surprise, families began noticing something in me that I hadn’t fully recognized: a natural talent for connecting with people and providing genuine comfort during their hardest times. They expressed how my support made a real difference, and it was then I realized I wasn’t just taking notes—I was helping people heal.

Today, I proudly lead Heritage Mortuary with a deep commitment to honoring the lives and legacies of those we serve. Our mission is simple yet profound: to celebrate life and foster meaningful connections among families. And yes, my husband’s penmanship is still as unique as ever, but now, I’ve got my own pen in hand to guide families through their healing journeys.

Along the way, we’ve been honored with recognition as the Best of Las Vegas Funeral Home from 2021 to 2024, named the 2022 SBA Veteran Small Business of the Year, and I was inducted into the 2023 Women Chamber’s Hall of Fame for Outstanding Leadership. I was also noted in the 2024 Who’s Who—just to name a few honors. But what truly warms my heart is knowing that we provide a space for families to find peace and healing.

So, if you’re ever in need of support or a listening ear, remember that at Heritage Mortuary, we believe in the power of compassion, healing, and, yes, maybe a little humor along the way. Life’s journey is an adventure, and I’m truly honored to be part of yours.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Ah, the journey of life—if only it came with a GPS to navigate the bumps and detours! My path to becoming a Funeral Director was far from smooth, but it was filled with valuable lessons and unexpected twists.

When I first took on the role of my husband’s note-taker, I never imagined it would lead me to a career in funeral service. I thought I was simply lending a helping hand—especially since deciphering his handwriting felt like decoding hieroglyphics! But when he fell ill, I quickly realized that I had to step up in a much bigger way. Taking over wasn’t just about picking up the pen; it meant embracing a new world of responsibility.

The first major struggle was navigating the complexities of the funeral service profession. I went from taking notes to learning about state regulations; to leading the entire funeral home operations to include the delicate art of comforting grieving families. It was a crash course in every sense! I felt like I was trying to learn how to swim in the deep end. On top of that, managing two high school students as a pastor’s wife, while staying involved in my community, felt like juggling flaming torches!

Balancing family, church, and my new role was another challenge. After years of serving in the military, I was used to being strong and composed. But I quickly learned that vulnerability was just as important. I had to allow myself to feel, connect, and empathize with families in their moments of grief, while also being present for my children during their high school years.

Through each of these struggles came immense growth. Every challenge was an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect more deeply with the families I serve. My natural empathy, along with the skills I honed in the Air Force, helped me navigate the complexities of this new role in ways I never expected.

Ultimately, the bumps in the road have shaped me into a compassionate leader and Funeral Director who truly cares. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Sometimes, what families need most is a listening ear, a warm hug, and a little humor to find a moment of light in their darkest days.

So, while the road hasn’t been smooth, every twist and turn has led me to where I am today—proudly serving families at Heritage Mortuary, with the understanding that we’re all on this journey together, one heartfelt connection at a time.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

The fascinating world of funeral directing! I often say it’s a blend of artistry, compassion, and, at times, a little humor—because who knew that helping people navigate some of life’s toughest moments could be so deeply rewarding? As a Funeral Director at Heritage Mortuary, I specialize in creating personalized, meaningful ceremonies that truly celebrate the lives of loved ones. I see myself as a guide through the emotional landscape of grief, bringing empathy, attention to detail, and a love for storytelling to each family I serve.

What sets me apart from others in this field? For starters, my journey to becoming a Funeral Director was almost by accident. It all began when I started as my husband’s note-taker, trying to decipher his handwritten notes. But when he fell ill, I realized I had a calling to step in and serve families more profoundly. People often tell me I have a natural ability to connect with others, which I believe comes from my military background. The skills I gained there—navigating difficult situations and providing unwavering support—are invaluable in this line of work.

Interestingly, it wasn’t until I had a conversation with a movie producer that I fully realized the depth of my work. She said to me, “You do exactly what I do, but with more passion.” That moment was a revelation. It made me realize that I’m not just helping families; I’m producing and designing the “set” of their loved ones’ lives. I get to tell their stories through meaningful, personalized ceremonies, adding a new layer of purpose to my role.

What am I most proud of? It’s the moments when families tell me I made a real difference. Whether it’s crafting a tribute that perfectly captures the essence of a person’s life or simply providing a comforting presence during a challenging time, those are the moments that fuel my passion. I’m also incredibly proud of leading a team that earned the title of Best of Las Vegas Funeral Home from 2021 to 2024. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and compassion.

I believe every life has a unique story, and my job is to help families share that story in a way that resonates. From traditional services to personalized “Celebration of Life” events, I aim to create a 360-degree experience that honors the individual and brings families together. This work requires sensitivity, creativity, and, yes, a little humor—because sometimes, laughter can be the best way to heal.

Whether I’m helping a family reminisce about their loved one’s favorite memories or ensuring every detail is perfect for a ceremony, I approach each day with gratitude and a deep commitment to making a difference. At the end of the day, it’s all about connection, healing, and honoring legacies—and I’m truly honored to be part of that journey.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?

Memory updated
Here’s a revised version that emphasizes your perspective on life having good and bad days rather than framing it as luck:

What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?

I don’t view my journey in terms of luck. Instead, I see it as a tapestry woven from both the good and the challenging days that life inevitably brings. Every experience, whether a high or a low, shapes us in profound ways. My career as a Funeral Director reflects this truth.

On the bright side, I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system—my family, friends, and mentors—who believed in me even when I was just a note-taker, trying to make sense of my husband’s handwriting. Their encouragement laid the foundation for my success and helped me through some of life’s most difficult days.

I’ve also had moments that felt like serendipity. For instance, when a movie producer compared my work to that of a set designer, it sparked a shift in my perspective. That realization opened a new way for me to honor lives and tell stories, enriching the way I approach my work.

Of course, there have been days when things didn’t go as planned—technical difficulties during ceremonies, miscommunications, or the emotional weight of loss. While some may view these moments as bad luck, I see them as part of life’s intricate design. Each one has taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and empathy, helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Ultimately, it’s the balance of these experiences—both the highs and the lows—that has shaped my path. Rather than seeing life through the lens of luck, I embrace each moment, knowing that every challenge and triumph brings me closer to my purpose: helping families heal and celebrate their loved ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heritagemortuary.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeritageMortuary

Image Credits

Tyrone Seals, Donavan Mickens, Josh Honea, and the entire Heritage Mortuary Team.