Introduction
Planning a funeral is one of the most important and emotional responsibilities a family may face. Choosing the right funeral home ensures that loved ones are honored with dignity care and compassion. Paul Funeral Home in Washington, NC has been serving Beaufort County families for nearly a century, offering a trusted place for remembrance, support, and guidance. With a history rooted in local tradition, this family and employee-owned funeral home provides a wide range of services from traditional funerals to cremation, burial, monuments, and pre-planning options.
This guide explores Paul Funeral Home’s history, services, reputation, pricing, and how families can navigate the funeral planning process with their assistance
What is Paul Funeral Home in Washington, NC?
Paul Funeral Home in Washington, NC is a longstanding funeral service provider offering compassionate care, pre-planning arrangements, traditional funerals, cremation services, and memorial ceremonies tailored to families’ cultural and personal preferences. Located in Beaufort County the funeral home is known for its personalized attention, professional staff. Commitment to guiding families through the emotional and logistical aspects of loss with dignity and respect.
What is the History and Founding Story of Paul Funeral Home?
Paul Funeral Home traces its origins back to 1926. When it was established as the City Furniture & Funeral Company. At that time funeral services were often combined with furniture and carpentry businesses, as caskets were hand-crafted by local tradesmen. Over the decades, Paul Funeral Home grew into a specialized service provider focused exclusively on funeral care.
Through continuous family and employee ownership, the funeral home has maintained strong local ties. Today, under the leadership of Robert B. Hodges.
Where is Paul Funeral Home Located and What Areas Does It Serve?
The main facility is located at 900 John Small Avenue, Washington, NC 27889. This central location allows the funeral home to serve not only the city of Washington but also surrounding communities across Beaufort County, including Chocowinity, Bath, Aurora, Pinetown, and Blounts Creek.
Paul Funeral Home also extends its services to neighboring eastern North Carolina counties, reflecting its reputation beyond just Washington. In addition, the funeral home operates a branch in Belhaven, NC, acquired through the purchase of Isiah Bishop Co. expanding its accessibility to families in that region.
What Services Does Paul Funeral Home Offer?
Paul Funeral Home offers comprehensive funeral services including traditional funerals, cremation services, memorial services, graveside ceremonies, and pre-planning arrangements. The funeral home also provides grief support resources, personalized tribute options, and assistance with obituary writing, legal documentation, and coordination with cemeteries or religious institutions.
What Types of Funeral and Memorial Services Are Available?
Paul Funeral Home provides traditional funeral services, which typically include a viewing or visitation, a formal service at the chapel or local church, and burial at a cemetery of choice. Families can personalize services with music, readings, or video tributes.
For those seeking simpler arrangements, direct burials and graveside services are also available. In addition, the funeral home assists with memorial services without a body present, allowing flexibility for families who may wish to hold services at a later date or different location.
Do They Offer Cremation, Green Burial, or Alternative Services?
Yes. Paul Funeral Home provides cremation services, ranging from basic cremation to cremation with a memorial service or celebration of life. This option has become increasingly popular due to flexibility in timing, cost considerations, and the ability to create personalized memorials.
In addition, families interested in sustainability can explore green burial options, where permitted by local cemeteries. Green burials minimize environmental impact by using biodegradable caskets or shrouds, foregoing embalming, and choosing natural burial grounds.
Other alternatives include scattering ceremonies, urn placement in columbaria, and assistance with transporting remains if a family wishes for burial outside Beaufort County.
What Are the Pre-planning / Pre-need Options They Provide?
Paul Funeral Home strongly encourages pre-planning, allowing individuals to make their wishes known and ease the financial and emotional burden on their families. Pre-planning can include:
- Selecting burial or cremation preferences
- Choosing caskets, urns, or monuments in advance
- Pre-paying for services at today’s prices
- Documenting personal details for obituaries or memorial programs
Pre-planning ensures that families face fewer uncertainties during a difficult time, while also providing peace of mind for the person making arrangements.
How to Compare Paul Funeral Home With Other Funeral Homes in Washington, Nc?
To compare Paul Funeral Home with other funeral homes in Washington, NC, evaluate key service attributes such as pricing transparency, range of funeral and cremation packages, facility amenities, staff professionalism, and customer reviews. In comparison, other funeral homes may offer competitive pricing or more modern facilities, but might lack the same level of community trust or tailored memorial planning. Review websites, service portfolios, and testimonials to assess which provider aligns best with your family’s needs and expectations.
How Does Paul Funeral Home Compare to Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service?
In Washington, NC, the other major funeral home is Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service. While both serve Beaufort County families, Paul Funeral Home distinguishes itself through its longer history, broader service area, and family-employee ownership model.
| Feature | Paul Funeral Home | Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service |
| Year Established | 1926 | 2016 (rebranded under current name) |
| Ownership | Family & employee owned | Independent family owned |
| Locations | Washington & Belhaven | Washington only |
| Services | Full range (funerals, cremation, pre-need, monuments) | Similar but smaller selection |
| Community Reputation | Nearly 100 years of trust | Growing but newer in the market |
What Are the Differentiators (Price, Reputation, Facilities)?
Paul Funeral Home is often chosen for its reputation for stability and tradition. Its larger facilities for hosting services, and its longstanding relationships with local churches and cemeteries. Pricing varies based on service type, but families often cite the transparent explanations and flexibility of packages as reasons for choosing Paul.
While Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service may offer competitive pricing, Paul Funeral Home’s community history and multi-location presence make it a preferred choice for many families in Beaufort County.
How to Plan a Funeral With Paul Funeral Home?
To plan a funeral with Paul Funeral Home, contact their funeral director to schedule a consultation where you can discuss service preferences, including burial or cremation, visitation, and memorial options. The staff will guide you through selecting a casket or urn, obituary preparation, coordinating clergy or celebrants, arranging transportation, and handling necessary legal documentation. Pre-planning services are also available for those who wish to make arrangements in advance. Paul Funeral Home ensures compassionate, personalized care tailored to the family’s cultural, religious, and emotional needs throughout the process.
What Steps Are Involved From First Contact to Service Day?
Planning a funeral with Paul Funeral Home typically follows these steps:
- Initial Contact – Families call the funeral home at (252) 946-4144 to report a passing and begin arrangements.
- Arrangement Meeting – Funeral directors meet with families to discuss service preferences, burial or cremation, casket/urn selection, and scheduling.
- Obituary & Documentation – Staff assist in drafting and submitting obituaries to local newspapers and online platforms.
- Visitation & Service Planning – Families choose visitation hours, service type, and location (chapel, church, graveside).
How Can You Arrange Visitations, Obituary, and Memorials Through Them?
Visitation can be scheduled at the funeral home’s chapel or at a church of choice. Families may select open-casket or closed-casket viewings depending on preference. Memorial programs, photo displays and tribute videos are also coordinated by the team.
What Documentation or Permits Are Required in Beaufort County, Nc?
In Beaufort County, required documents include:
- Death Certificate (issued by a physician or medical examiner)
- Burial Transit Permit (for transport between counties or states)
- Cremation Authorization Form (signed by next of kin)
- Cemetery Authorization (if burial occurs at a private or church cemetery)
Paul Funeral Home guides families through each step, ensuring compliance with North Carolina state regulations.
What Are Costs and Pricing at Paul Funeral Home?
Paul Funeral Home offers a range of funeral service packages, with pricing that depends on the type and extent of services selected. Basic service fees, which include administrative and professional staff support, typically start around $1,695. Additional services such as viewing or visitation are generally priced at $295, while a full funeral ceremony may cost about $450. The transfer of remains to the funeral home is often $225, and embalming services are usually around $595. For those choosing a traditional full-service burial, the total cost can average $7,375, whereas a full-service cremation package may be approximately $5,175. More affordable options like direct cremation generally start at $2,010, making it suitable for families seeking a simpler arrangement.
What Factors Influence Funeral Costs?
Funeral costs vary based on:
- Service type (traditional, graveside, memorial, cremation)
- Casket or urn selection
- Embalming and preparation needs
- Cemetery fees and monument choices
- Additional services like tribute videos, flowers, or transportation
Does Paul Funeral Home Offer Financing or Payment Plans?
Yes. Families may arrange payment plans or explore insurance assignments, where life insurance benefits are applied directly to cover funeral expenses. This flexibility helps ease financial pressure during a difficult time.
How to Request a Quote From Paul Funeral Home?
Families can request a general price list (GPL) directly by contacting Paul Funeral Home. Funeral homes are required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide GPLs upon request ensuring transparency.
What Do People Say About Paul Funeral Home?
People consistently praise Paul Funeral Home for its compassionate care, professional conduct, and deep understanding of the emotional needs of grieving families. Many families highlight how the staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every detail is handled with respect and sensitivity. Offering personalized services that honor the life and legacy of the deceased. The comforting environment, combined with clear communication and well-organized planning, allows families to focus on healing while trusting that all arrangements are in capable hands. Clients also appreciate the flexibility in accommodating specific religious, cultural, or personal preferences, which reinforces the funeral home’s reputation for empathy and excellence in service.
What Are the Reviews, Testimonials, and Reputation in the Community?
Paul Funeral Home enjoys a strong reputation built on nearly a century of service. Families often highlight the professionalism, compassion, and attentiveness of the staff. Many testimonials describe how the team went beyond expectations in guiding them through planning and grief.
Are There Any Complaints or Issues to Be Aware of?
Like any long-standing business, there may occasionally be concerns about pricing or specific service details. However, Paul Funeral Home’s leadership has consistently addressed issues and maintained high standing in Beaufort County.
How to contact or visit Paul Funeral Home?
What is the Address, Phone, Email, Office Hours?
- Address: 900 John Small Ave, Washington, NC 27889
- Phone: (252) 946-4144
- Website: Paul Funeral Home
- Hours: Typically Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with on-call staff available 24/7 for immediate needs
Can You Tour Their Facilities or Meet Staff Ahead of Time?
Yes. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour of the facilities and meet funeral directors before making arrangements. This helps establish comfort and trust in advance.
What to Consider When Choosing a Funeral Home in Washington, Nc?
When choosing a funeral home in Washington, NC, evaluate key factors such as licensing, local reputation, range of services offered (traditional, cremation, pre-planning), facility cleanliness, staff professionalism, and pricing transparency. Prioritize funeral homes that provide personalized services aligned with cultural or religious preferences. Confirm whether the funeral director is experienced with local burial or cremation regulations and whether the home is flexible with scheduling, memorial arrangements, and obituary assistance. Accessibility for guests, availability of grief support services, and clear communication throughout the process also play a vital role in making a well-informed, respectful choice.
What Criteria Should Families Use?
When selecting a funeral home, families should evaluate:
- Experience and years in business
- Range of services available
- Transparency of pricing
- Facility size and accessibility
- Staff professionalism and compassion
What Questions Should Be Asked When Meeting Funeral Directors?
Some important questions include:
- What are the package options and costs?
- Can services be customized for cultural or religious needs?
- Are green or eco-friendly options available?
- What support is offered after the funeral?
Conclusion
For nearly a century, Paul Funeral Home in Washington, NC has stood as a pillar of support for families in Beaufort County and beyond. With its balance of tradition and modern options, compassionate staff, and strong community ties, it remains a trusted choice for funeral and memorial services. Whether planning ahead or facing an immediate need, families can find guidance, dignity, and peace of mind with Paul Funeral Home.
FAQ’s
Office hours are typically Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with staff available 24/7 by phone.
The funeral home staff assists with drafting and submitting obituaries to newspapers and online platforms.
Yes, they provide both direct cremation and cremation with memorial services.
Costs vary widely depending on service choices but generally range from modest cremation packages to full traditional services with burial.
Families can plan immediately after a passing or make arrangements years in advance through pre-planning.
Yes, pre-planning and prepayment options are available to lock in today’s prices.
Paul Funeral Home has a longer history, larger facilities, and multiple locations, while Joseph B. Paul Jr. offers newer services in Washington.
Families need a death certificate, burial transit permit (if applicable), and cremation authorization forms.
Yes, where permitted by local cemeteries, Paul Funeral Home offers natural burial options with biodegradable materials.
