Our Story

After spending much of his life working in the funeral industry, Shannon Mullins felt it was time for a change. Like many others in Southwest Florida, he turned to real estate—specifically focusing on mortgage banking with two of the nation’s top lenders at the time. During that chapter of his life, Shannon crossed paths with a remarkable realtor named Sheila Koberski. Their connection quickly grew into a relationship, and before long, they were married, expecting a child, and fully embracing the Florida lifestyle. Still, something didn’t feel complete. On their very first date, Shannon had shared a dream with Sheila—his vision of one day opening a family-run funeral home. That moment stuck with her.

As the real estate market began to collapse in 2007 and 2008, Shannon and Sheila faced significant financial struggles. During one particularly difficult moment, Sheila voiced her frustration—urging Shannon to stop ignoring the calling he had shared with her from the beginning: opening a funeral home, something he believed to be his God-given purpose. That conversation became the turning point. Well, that—and the $50,000 they needed to get started.

Both Sheila and Shannon come from humble beginnings and have worked since they were twelve—Sheila growing up in New England and Shannon in the Midwest. Despite their strong work ethic and good reputation, they couldn’t secure a traditional loan for the $50,000 they needed. The dream seemed out of reach. But Shannon, a quiet man guided by faith, had a revelation: instead of one person lending $50,000, what if ten people each lent $5,000? Within a week, they had the funds—and the dream was alive.

In October 2011, after months of renovations and preparations, Mullins Memorial opened its doors at 1056 NE 7th Terrace. The business was built on faith, a shared dream, and a healthy push from Sheila. Shannon had left the world of banking behind for good, and though they didn’t know it at the time, Sheila was soon finished with real estate as well.

On the day they opened, they invited Pastor Wes Furlong to the building. He blessed the business and anointed the front entrance, ending his prayer with: “May all that enter this doorway find this sacred place, a haven of peace. Amen.”

Just three days later, the funeral home received its very first call. A man had passed away in his yard on Pine Island while feeding his wrens. Shannon responded to bring him into their care. The situation required clarification about who would sign the death certificate. The man’s name was Phillip Christ, Jr.—a strikingly meaningful name for their very first client. The next day, the Medical Examiner confirmed that Mr. Christ’s cardiologist would sign the certificate. His name? Dr. Cross. Shannon still says, “You can’t make this stuff up.” At that moment, they knew in their hearts they were exactly where they were meant to be.

Since opening in 2011, Mullins Memorial has served thousands of families throughout Lee County and beyond. Their reach expanded even further after acquiring the area’s longest continuously operating funeral home—formerly Anderson Funeral Home on Palm Beach Boulevard—which has served the community since 1972.

Today, Shannon, Sheila, and their dedicated team continue to do what they’ve always set out to do: take care of people with honesty, fairness, and compassion—proving that there is still heart and hope in the funeral profession.