Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral & Cremation Services in Newport News, VA
WJ Smith & Son Funeral Home has served families in Newport News, Virginia since 1854, making it the oldest family-owned funeral home in the Tidewater Peninsula. Founded by Robert T. Smith and now spanning six generations, the business remains committed to compassionate care during times of loss. The funeral home offers traditional and contemporary services, cremation, military honors, and pre-need planning while honoring individual family traditions. With deep roots in the community, the business actively participates in local civic organizations, churches, and professional associations like the National Funeral Directors Association. The team of licensed funeral directors prioritizes personalized service, understanding that each family's needs are unique.Their history includes pioneering efforts in the funeral profession, with family members holding leadership roles in state and national organizations. The facility, located at 210 Harpersville Road, maintains accessibility and accepts various payment methods, including financing options. Their philosophy centers on providing knowledgeable support during difficult times, guided by the principle that 'some things remain unchanged - giving sympathetic and knowledgeable help to troubled families.' The sixth and seventh generations of the Cecil family continue this legacy of service, ensuring traditions evolve while maintaining core values of care and community involvement.
Services
Pre-Need Planning
Cremation Services
Military Honors
Memorial Services
Traditional Funerals
Monuments & Memorials
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1854 with six generations of experience
- Full-service funeral home offering traditional and modern options
- Active members of National Funeral Directors Association
- Licensed professionals specializing in personalized memorial services
- 24/7 availability for immediate assistance
Services
Pre-Need Planning
Our pre-need planning service allows individuals to document their funeral preferences in advance. This proactive approach ensures personal wishes are honored while relieving family members of decision-making responsibilities during emotional times. We guide clients through all service options, payment plans, and legal documentation to create comprehensive, legally binding arrangements that provide peace of mind for both individuals and their loved ones.
Cremation Services
We offer dignified cremation services with customizable memorial options. Families may choose from traditional cremation with memorial services, direct cremation, or combination ceremonies that include visitation prior to cremation. Our staff provides guidance on urn selection, scattering permits, and memorialization options while maintaining strict adherence to all state and federal regulations throughout the process.
Military Honors
Our military honors service includes full-color guard presentation, flag folding ceremonies, and coordination with local VA offices. We ensure veterans receive proper recognition through rifle salutes, Taps performances, and inclusion in military funeral honors programs, while guiding families through eligibility requirements and benefit applications.
Memorial Services
Custom memorial services honor loved ones through personalized tributes featuring photo displays, special music selections, and customized eulogies. We provide venue options, officiant coordination, and keepsake materials to create meaningful remembrances that reflect individual personalities and life achievements in both traditional and contemporary formats.
Traditional Funerals
Our traditional funeral services include visitation, formal ceremony, and burial arrangements with horse-drawn hearse options. We handle all aspects including embalming, casket selection, pallbearer coordination, and obituary publication, maintaining time-honored customs while incorporating modern enhancements for family comfort.
Questions
What funeral services do you offer?
We provide traditional funerals, cremation services, memorial ceremonies, military honors, and pre-need planning options tailored to family preferences.
Do you serve areas outside Newport News?
While based in Newport News, we accommodate families from surrounding areas within the Tidewater Peninsula region of Virginia.
Can I pre-plan a funeral service?
Yes, we offer comprehensive pre-need planning services to help individuals document their wishes and ease future arrangements for loved ones.
Are your facilities accessible?
Our funeral home is fully handicapped accessible to accommodate all visitors and family members.
Do you accept insurance payments?
We work with various insurance providers and offer financing options to help manage funeral service costs.
Reviews (4)
Joanne Blanchette
Nov 03, 2021
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W J Smith & Son are sensitive to your needs during your time of loss. They cared for my family through every step of the process, going above and beyond, each time we've needed their services. Even when some of the details seemed trivial, everything was important to them, and they made sure every detail was exactly how we expected and needed. Every member of their staff was pleasurable to work with. They treat others with respect and dignity; and best of all, like family. Thank you so much, W J Smith & Son for making a difficult experience, a lot less painful!
Heather Schott
Sep 14, 2021
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When my mother and I went to take care of the arrangements for my father - the staff at W J Smith and Son funeral home could not have gone any more above and beyond for our family at this incredibly difficult time. From the moment that we walked in, the staff took care of us and every detail of the arrangements. They were comforting, compassionate, and empathetic - we could not have asked for anything more. We are incredibly grateful for them and their help.
Michelle Tison
Jul 11, 2020
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Very professional, kind and compassionate. They have done many funerals for my family , including my son's.
Jill Spielberger
Nov 04, 2019
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Very compassionate & empathetic staff. Looked after both my mama & daddy upon their passing & put us at ease on both occasions....
