Our Legacy

Welcome to Edwards Funeral Home
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On a calm, sunny day in March of 1948, two brothers, Oliver H. and James W. Edwards, opened the doors of Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. at 805 Nash Street East in Wilson, North Carolina.

Black and white portrait of a man wearing glasses, suit, and tie in a framed photo.
Man in suit and glasses, posed portrait in a framed picture.

The brothers, encouraged by their parents and wives (Lola and Josephine), bought a two-story white frame house in East Wilson. Located on the main thoroughfare of Nash Street, this “home” was a classic representative of a turn of the century Colonial Revival type of architecture. It still has the original interior paneling, crown molding, woodworking, winding staircase, and marble fireplaces. The site was chosen as much for its location and the charm of this home as for the warmth and friendliness of the neighbors. Some of the original East Wilson neighbors still surround our “Home”. The Funeral Home (with some interior and exterior renovations and expansions) and a 5- bay garage, with storage and which houses most of our modern fleet, remain in the very heart of our community.

Portrait of a woman with dark hair and a smiling expression, wearing a necklace; framed.

Oliver and James worked hard and opened the doors to the firm and established it as a thriving business. Both brothers ran the business until Oliver’s death in July 1963. James assumed leadership, ownership, and management until his death in May 1982. James’ widow, the former Josephine Farmer from Nash County, assumed leadership. She wanted to keep the dream and legacy alive for their children, Angela and Carla.

Man in suit and tie, glasses, and salt-and-pepper beard, looking to the side.

Following her death, the ownership transitioned to her two children, Angela and Carla; and the management was assumed by Rev. Dr. Tyrone P. Jones III, CFSP, a Funeral Service Licensee. Under his leadership, we experienced interior renovations and additional technological upgrades. Upon his death, the management transitioned to Angela who was already established in the firm as a Licensed Funeral Director.

Advertisement announcing the opening of Edwards Funeral Home, a
Newspaper clipping announcing the opening of Edwards Brothers Funeral Home in Wilson, NC.