Our Valued Staff

We are nothing without our dedicated staff. If you take a few minutes to get to know us online, when you walk through our doors and see familiar faces, it will make your experience with us that much better.
Roland J. Coston-Criswell, President/Supervisor
Email: rcriswell@costonfuneralhome.com

Roland J. Coston-Criswell is the President of Coston-Criswell Enterprise. In that role,  he serves as Managing Partner of Kimbo Realty, LLC, Co-Host of “The Coston Show” and President of Coston Funeral Homes, Inc. He is a licensed Funeral Director and manages all day-to-day operations along with directing funerals and handling at-need arrangements.

Mr. Criswell is the grandson of Samuel and Wanda Coston, the original owners of the funeral business, which was established in 1963.  A third generation family funeral director, Roland and his staff ensures that the firm provides personalized premier family care through service to the community with integrity, respect, tenderness and unbiased attention to all. 

Coston Funeral Homes, Inc. was awarded the Best of the Best award from the National Funeral  Directors Association in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. This award is bestowed upon the top two percent of funeral homes in the country. Coston Funeral Homes, Inc. is the only firm from the state of Pennsylvania to ever receive this award and the
only firm worldwide to receive the award for three consecutive years.

Serving the community has always been a core value for Roland. He is currently the President of the Alumni Council at Shady Side Academy and the President of the FROGS Club (Friendly Rivalry Often Generates Success). He is a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He serves as a trustee on the board of Shady Side Academy and is a board member with the Children’s Institute and Propel Charter School. 

Roland is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he is a  guest lecturer on professional development, business strategy and customized creative services. He is also a graduate from Geneva College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He is married to Bethany Criswell and the father of Roland A. and Brandon I. Criswell.

Bethany J. Coston-Criswell, Vice President/CFO

Email: bcriswell@costonfuneralhome.com


Bethany is CFO of Coston-Criswell Enterprise. In that role, she serves as Managing Partner of Kimbo Realty, LLC, Managing Partner of Trinitee, LP and Vice President of both Cage Memorial and Coston Funeral Homes, Inc.


Bethany has an extensive background in Journalism, Marketing and Public Relations. Prior to joining the firm, Bethany worked in University Advancement at Carnegie Mellon University and served as the Director of Communications at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. She and her husband, Roland Criswell, became the owners of Coston Funeral Homes in 2005 and acquired Cage Memorial Chapel in 2019. Bethany focuses on structuring the firm for efficiency in the financial aspect of the business.


Serving the needs of the community is also a primary focus for Bethany. She is a member of various organizations including The Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, The Windy City Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Chicago Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.


Bethany earned a B.A. in Journalism from Hampton University in 1998 and a M.Ed. in Sports Administration from Temple University in 2000. She received a Diploma from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2016 and acquired her insurance license in 2017.


Bethany and her husband Roland reside in Chicago with their two children Roland Andrew and Brandon Isaiah.


LaShawn Mills, Customer Relations Specialist
Email: lmills@costonfuneralhome.com

LaShawn is a Customer Relations Specialist at Coston Funeral Home. She started with the company back in 2000. During her tenure, she has served in many capacities including training new staff, working visitations as a greeter, office support staff, funeral attendant, special events, family attendant and aftercare support. She is the mother of three daughters (Alaziah, Tyler and Paris and is a native of Pittsburgh, PA.

Ella Lipscomb, Funeral Director Intern


Ella Lipscomb is a Funeral Director Intern at Coston Funeral Home. Drawn to helping others during their time of need, she pursued a career in funeral service and earned an Associate degree from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Ella is dedicated to honoring each family's wishes and helping create meaningful tributes that celebrate the lives of their loved ones. As she continues to grow in the profession, she remains committed to providing compassionate care and personalized service. Outside of her work, Ella stays connected to her community as a dancer with the Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.