History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.

Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

We are a family owned and operated funeral home. Our locations allow us to offer a complete funeral service under one company.   We are committed to providing service with dignity and professionalism.

Our Valued Staff

  • John David Santos

    John David Santos, Funeral Director In Charge (FDIC), Embalmer, President of Lord and I Cemeteries Inc.

    Mr. Santos is a proud graduate from Weslaco High School, class of 1985. Following his graduation, he decided to peruse his dreams, which lead him to the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. He then later completed his education, and earned his a dual licenses in funeral directing and embalming in 1987. David has been our firm's proud FDIC since the moment we opened our doors to serving our community in 1998. He has served our community across the valley in a variety of ways. From serving on the school board at Agape Christian School in Mission, Texas for many years, to humbly providing counsel to our wonderful city officials in Penitas, Texas as the transition from the city cemetery to a State landmark cemetery began. You will see David active in every role possible in this industry. From funeral director, to embalmer, to marksman out in the cemetery gardens. His motto always has been to mold yourself according to the needs of the family in which you are serving. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, his fur children: Mia, Leo, Ella, and spending time at his local Church. You may reach David at [email protected]

  • Elizabeth Santos

    Elizabeth Santos, Chief Operations & Financial Manager, Vice President of Lord and I Cemeteries Inc., Pre-Need Coun

    Mrs. Santos is a proud graduate of McAllen Memorial High School, class of 1986. She then went on to have an incredible career in retail where she had the opportunity in spear-heading the openings and establishment of many large retail clothing stores in the capacities of Design Manager and General Manager. Elizabeth had the opportunity of opening stores all over Texas, such as: Charlotte Ruse, Bebe, Express, and Ann Taylor. As time passed, she then realized that her ability to lead, guide, and comfort was needed at the home front. Since then, Elizabeth has been the backbone to our firm from the moment of our inception in 1998, and even prior. She is also a proud graduate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services. Elizabeth works daily with our families in serving them as they prepare for their future arrangements, and aids in any and all our daily operations. From training staff, to guiding families, and running all financial components regarding our firm. She is always the first lead her staff and client families with kindness, gentleness, and patience to their next steps and/or through the grieving process. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys running, spending time with her family, studying her Bible, spending time at her local Church, and caring for her fur children: Mia, Leo, and Ella. You may feel free to contact Elizabeth at [email protected]

  • Grace Michelle Santos

    Grace Michelle Santos, Funeral Director, Officer of Lord and I Cemeteries Inc., Pre-Need Counselor

    Grace Michelle is a Rio Grande Valley native. She is a proud graduate of Sharyland Pioneer High School, class of 2017. After graduation, she decided to study business at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston that very same Fall. During those three years, Grace had the opportunity to work for the College of Business all three years as an Academic Support Assistant, and teach hundreds of students a week a required Management Information Systems Course. During this time, Grace also continued to represent and speak on behalf of Hispanic, first generation college students from the Rio Grande Valley at multiple conferences and events. In December of 2020, she graduated from the C.T. Bauer College of Business with her degree in Accounting. Grace then decided it was time to begin the next step: Mortuary school. Grace grew up observing the way her family served their community, and the difference they were able to make in the lives of those who lived near and far. She is now a graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, as well as a licensed Funeral Director . Grace is one of our current office managers, and you will find her aiding our client families as they prepare themselves for their future arrangements, wish to purchase cemetery property, making arrangements, or aid in the financial sector at our firm. During her free time, you will find her serving at her local church, serving as a mentor for the Sharyland ISD Student Mentorship Program, reading, baking, cooking, and caring for her fur siblings: Mia, Leo, and Ella. You may reach Grace Michelle Santos at [email protected]

  • Christian T. Santos

    Christian T. Santos, Office Manager, Secretary of Lord and I Cemeteries Inc.

    Christian Tabitha Santos is a Rio Grande Valley native. She is a proud graduate of Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy, where she earned both her high school diploma and Associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from South Texas College in 2018. After graduation, she decided to pursue a Bachelor degree in finance and a minor in business management at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. During those two years, she had the opportunity to work for the College of Business as an Academic Support Assistant, tutoring hundreds of students a week on a required Management Information Systems Course. She currently attends the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service where she is studying to earn her dual licenses in Funeral Directing and Embalming. Christian is one of our current office managers, you will find her aiding our client families in preparing their loved ones’ funeral services. You may reach her at [email protected]

  • Brandy M. Rodriguez

    Brandy M. Rodriguez, Funeral Director

    Brandy is an Edinburg native. After graduating from Edinburg Economedes High School, she attended San Antonio College Mortuary Science program, graduating in 2019. While in college, she was a member of the National Funeral Service Honor Society. Brandy enjoys helping families in their time of need. You may reach her at [email protected]

  • Marivel Loa

    Marivel Loa, Manager - Lord and I Cemetery Palmview

    Marivel is our Manager for our Lord and I Cemetery-Palmview location. Marivel’s educational background includes an Associate Degree in Business from South Texas College, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas RGV. Marivel’s work experience includes working in the manufacturing, education, and service industries; which helped her acquire and develop the experience needed to manage our cemetery. Marivel has worked with our company for nine years and during that time, she has grown with the company and has been crucial in developing and implementing better systems to manage our cemeteries as they grow. Marivel also aided in overseeing operations for the Lord and I Cemetery-Penitas and Lord and I Cemetery-Sullivan. Marivel has also been one of the co-managers to our Monument Company and is responsible for the sales as well as managing the monument purchase process. Marivel’s ability to pay attention to detail, her strong sense of responsibility, and her dedication have been instrumental for our company to receive the highest possible grade during the past audits from the Banking Commission. Marivel is passionate about helping the families she serves and her dedication to the personalized treatment of the families she serves is more than evident. We have seen that this has been fundamental in forming an excellent bond with those who are enduring the loss of a loved one. Marivel’s main principle in life comes from her loving mother’s wise advice “seek the wellbeing of others and you will live a happy and peaceful life”. You may reach Marivel via email at [email protected]