History & Staff
We have many years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. As leaders in the industry, families know they can count on us to provide them with the comfort they need when they need it the most.
Why Choose Us?

We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family.
People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.
Learn The Legacy
Grace Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home was founded in 1970 by Melvin Scherer, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who invested in real estate in the 1960’s. As a local resident who attended many services at Hudson Cemetery, Mr. Scherer recognized the need for a new cemetery to serve the growing community.
Since its inception, Grace Memorial Gardens has prided itself as a respectful, peaceful place to honor loved ones. Families that entrust their loved ones to us are able rest assured that the cemetery will be maintained in perpetuity.
Grace Memorial was established in 1970 and included several gardens that were specific to a faith or organization affiliation within the community such as our Catholic, Jewish, Greek and Masonic Gardens. These gardens are still available for flat memorialization as well as newer gardens for families seeking memorialization with an upright monument or private estate.
Later, as mausoleum entombment became a prominent request, Grace Memorial created several mausoleum complexes throughout the cemetery. As many families began selecting cremation services for their loved ones, Grace Memorial recognized the significance of having a place to permanently memorialize a loved one’s cremated remains. Today, we are proud to offer many personalized options for cremation interment including in-ground burial, above-ground burial, cremation pedestals, private estates and cremation benches or placement in our cremation gardens.
Reviews
I was very pleased with the services provided by the staff. After my mother's passing, they provided exactly what I wanted at a reasonable cost. Having them handle everything was a blessing and deeply appreciated.
William J.
My elderly mother had a prepaid cremation from another state. This caring and helpful group of people not only accepted this, but they helped me with details and follow-ups with VA assist. And always with a gentle and helpful attitude! My experience with Grace Memorial was 5 stars for sure!
Janet S.
I would definitely recommend Grace Memorial Gardens and their staff for their respectful and caring manner at a very difficult time. Mr. Brian Litts and Mr. James McMichael were very comforting to my family and it is greatly appreciated.
George S.
Who We Are

James Edward McMichael
General Manager
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Jim, a life time resident of Hernando County, re-joined the staff at Grace Memorial Gardens in April 2015. He is a Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service with an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service. He has served over the last 34 years in many roles and capacities in the funeral home and cemetery.
“Taking care of, and being there for the people in our community at the worst time in their life is an important part of my life” Jim says, “I’m grateful every day that I get to help someone else.”
Jim is married to his wife Pamela and they are members of St. Theresa Parrish in Spring Hill. He is a very proud father to Allison, who also serves the people in our community at a local hospital as an emergency room nurse. He is privileged and honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside a very talented staff here at Grace Memorial Gardens.

Ben Samel
Family Service Manager

Susan Perlowski
Office Manager
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Susan, a lifetime resident of Pasco County, has over 18 years experience in the funeral home profession, with the past year and a half here with Grace Memorial Gardens. Susan and her husband, Scott, are proud parents of two daughters, one being a teacher and one a radiological tech student, and one grandson.
Her family is very involved in bowling and they enjoy the comradery and sense of community it brings. Working in the funeral/cemetery profession gives Susan the opportunity to be there for families in their time of need and is an honor and a privilege she holds dear.