MURFREESBORO — Town officials and friends gathered here Dec. 17 to welcome the newest business in town, First Choice Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc.

A ribbon cutting ceremony officially welcomed the business to the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce and to the community.

First Choice is owned by David and Gilda Robertson, while Mercedes Fornay serves as the licensed Funeral Director.

The funeral home located at 857 W. Main St. offers a variety of services including pre-need funeral arrangements, monuments, nationwide shipping and after care counseling. First Choice also has a chapel on site. The business opened officially on Dec. 9.

The Robertsons are natives of the Roanoke-Chowan area; David is originally from Ahoskie and Gilda from Murfreesboro.

“I enjoy seeing new business come to town, especially a reputable service that assists those in a time that can be considered their darkest hour,” said Murfreesboro Mayor John Hinton.

He wished the business prosperity.

Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Hachey also offered words of good fortune for the business.

“Welcome to the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce and we’re very much looking forward to the growth of your business,” she said.

The Robertsons expressed their delight with joining the business community.

“We feel entrepreneurship is very important and we hope to serve as examples for families and the community,” said Mr. Robertson.

Mrs. Robertson said 24-hour service is available.

Business office hours for the First Choice are: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

For more information about First Choice Funeral Home and Cremation, Inc. contact (252) 396-0041 or visit www.fcfuneralhome.com.