Former Funeral Home Transformed into Thriving Flower Shop in Rincon

Red Roof Flowers & Gifts prepares for Valentine's Day rush as new owners breathe life into historic building

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A former funeral home in Rincon, Georgia has been transformed into a vibrant flower shop called Red Roof Flowers & Gifts. After the previous owner passed away in 2017, the property was sold and underwent extensive renovations, including a distinctive red roof that now gives the business a welcoming personality. The new owners, a mother-daughter team, are dedicated to serving the Effingham County community and enjoying working together, as they gear up for one of their busiest times of the year - Valentine's Day.

Why it matters

The conversion of the former funeral home into a thriving flower shop represents the resilience and adaptability of small businesses in Rincon, as they navigate changes in the local economy and community needs. It also highlights the importance of family-owned enterprises and how they can breathe new life into historic properties, creating gathering spaces and economic opportunities.

The details

After the previous owner of the Walter Samuels' Funeral Home, Samuels, passed away in 2017, the property was sold and underwent extensive renovations. The building now houses Red Roof Flowers & Gifts, a flower shop owned and operated by Debra Knisely and her daughter Christy Robbins. The shop offers arrangements for weddings, birthdays, and everyday occasions, and the mother-daughter team is dedicated to serving the Effingham County community.

  • The former funeral home was sold after the owner's passing in 2017.
  • Red Roof Flowers & Gifts opened in the renovated building in 2018.

The players

Walter Samuels

The previous owner of the funeral home that occupied the building before it was transformed into Red Roof Flowers & Gifts.

Debra Knisely

The current owner of Red Roof Flowers & Gifts, a mother-daughter team running the flower shop.

Christy Robbins

The daughter of Debra Knisely and co-owner of Red Roof Flowers & Gifts.

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What they’re saying

“People are so interested. Folks come in and they're so interested in the change.”

— Debra Knisely, Owner, Red Roof Flowers & Gifts (wjcl.com)

“It's a job, but it's a happy job. Working together makes a big difference and I think you see that in our creations.”

— Christy Robbins, Co-owner, Red Roof Flowers & Gifts (wjcl.com)

What’s next

As Valentine's Day approaches, the shop is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year, with roses, custom arrangements, and gift items already in high demand as customers plan ahead for the holiday.

The takeaway

The transformation of the former funeral home into a thriving flower shop highlights the resilience and adaptability of small businesses in Rincon, as they find new ways to serve the community and breathe life into historic properties. The family-owned nature of Red Roof Flowers & Gifts also underscores the importance of local, community-driven enterprises in shaping the character and economic vitality of the area.