Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, co-owner of Blumz…by JR Designs delivers an arrangement to Aretha Franklin’s visitation service Tuesday, Aug. 28, in Detroit. Read more.
It’s been a busy and emotional week in Detroit, as mourners pour in by the thousands to honor Aretha Franklin, the American icon who died Thursday, August 16 at age 76. Preceding a private funeral, Friday, August 31, the public was invited to pay respects during three days of visitation services and a tribute concert tomorrow night.
For local florist Blumz…by JR Designs, a longtime member of the Society of American Florists, it has been mayhem preparing designs for the memorial events — but also a tremendous honor.
On Tuesday, a photographer from The Detroit News snapped Blumz co-owner Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, carrying a giant arrangement of anthurium, orchids, ginger, monstera and roses to the Charles Wright Museum of African-American History, where the singer’s coffin rest between displays of pastel-colored roses.
The shop shared the image on its social media accounts. “After many years of having the honor of delivering flowers to the Queen, it was a pleasure to be able to do it one more time,” the posts read. “Blumz co-owner Jerome Raska insisted on taking this one in himself. Sending love and Respect to Aretha’s family and friends today and forever.”
Although born in Memphis, Tennessee, Franklin spent the majority of her life in Detroit, where she forged a legendary music career, earning her the nickname “the Queen of Soul.” On the day of her passing, Blumz immediately shared a photo of Franklin’s favorite flowers — yellow roses — and offered their condolences: “Long live the Queen! R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!!” read the shop’s Facebook post.
Katie Hendrick Vincent is the senior contributing editor for the Society of American Florists.
