When you're driving down Flat Shoals Parkway and pass that large, dignified building, you probably don't think much about it unless you have to. It's just a part of the landscape. But Gregory B. Levett Funeral Home Decatur Georgia—specifically the South DeKalb Chapel—isn't just another business in a strip mall or a cold, sterile institution. Honestly, for the folks living in DeKalb County, it's more like a community landmark that has seen the town's highest highs and its most devastating lows.
Dealing with death is weird. We don't like to talk about it, yet it's the one thing we all have in common. When a family walks through those doors at 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, they aren't looking for a "service provider." They’re looking for a lifeline.
The Levett Legacy is Actually Kind of Incredible
It didn't start with a massive empire. Gregory B. Levett Sr. and his wife, Betty, opened their first chapel back in 1980 in Scottdale. If you look at the history, this is a fourth-generation legacy. Mr. Levett basically grew up in the business, watching his father, George W. Levett Sr., master the "art" of funeral service.
Most people don't realize how much of a family affair this still is. You’ve got Gregory Jr., T. Lanier, and Deana all involved in the day-to-day. There’s something to be said for a business where the people on the sign are actually the ones answering the phone at 3 AM.
In a world where big corporations are quietly buying up local funeral homes, the Gregory B. Levett Funeral Home Decatur Georgia location remains independently owned. That matters. It’s the difference between a checklist and a conversation.
What Does "First Class" Actually Mean Here?
You’ll hear the term "first class" tossed around a lot in their brochures. To a cynic, that sounds like a marketing buzzword. But in the context of the South DeKalb community, it translates to specific, often surprising details.
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They do things a bit differently than your average funeral home:
- Tribute Billboards: They actually put the deceased’s photo on a public billboard. It sounds flashy, but for many families, it’s a way of saying, "This person mattered to this city."
- The Horse & Carriage: Yes, they actually do this. It’s not just for movies. If a family wants a traditional New Orleans-style send-off or a regal procession, they make it happen.
- On-Site Crematory: This is a big one. A lot of funeral homes outsource cremation to third parties. Levett & Sons owns their own crematory, which means your loved one never actually leaves their care. That's a huge peace-of-mind factor for people who are—rightfully—a bit anxious about the process.
The Cost Question (No Sugarcoating)
Let's be real: Funerals are expensive. Nobody likes talking about the bill when they're grieving, but it's the elephant in the room. According to recent industry data for the area, a traditional full-service burial at this location can run around $8,400.
If that makes your eyes water, you aren't alone. However, they do offer "Affordable Burial" packages closer to $4,700 and direct cremations for about $1,695. The reality is that you're paying for the facility, the staff (they have over 100 employees across their locations), and the sheer logistics of moving, prepping, and honoring a body.
Why the Decatur Location is Different
Decatur is a specific vibe. The South DeKalb Chapel isn't just a place for caskets; it’s a hub for grief support. They host workshops on Tuesdays between April and November at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. They also do these "Faith Break" radio spots on Kiss 104.1.
Basically, they’ve embedded themselves into the spiritual fabric of the neighborhood.
I’ve noticed that people often get confused about which location to go to. They have four main chapels:
- South DeKalb (Decatur) - The heavy hitter on Flat Shoals.
- Rockdale (Conyers) - The headquarters.
- Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) - Serving the northern suburbs.
- Avondale-Scottdale - Where the roots are.
If you’re looking for the Gregory B. Levett Funeral Home Decatur Georgia, you’re almost certainly looking for the Flat Shoals Pkwy address.
Acknowledging the "Too Professional" Critique
If you read through the hundreds of reviews online, most are glowing—using words like "compassionate" and "seamless." But if we’re being intellectually honest, there are always outliers. Some families have mentioned that in the initial "intake" phase, things can feel a bit like a business transaction.
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It’s a tough balance. On one hand, you want a friend. On the other, you need a professional who can handle the red tape, the death certificates, and the coordination with the cemetery without missing a beat. Sometimes that professional "efficiency" can come off as cold to someone who is in the middle of the worst day of their life.
Actionable Steps if You’re Planning Right Now
If you find yourself needing to contact them, or if you're just trying to be responsible and pre-plan (which, honestly, your kids will thank you for), here is the practical way to handle it:
- Don't just show up. Call the Decatur office at (404) 294-5500 first. They are on call 24/7, but having a scheduled time for an arrangement conference makes the process way less overwhelming.
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL). By law, they have to give this to you. It breaks down every single cost so you don't get "sticker shock" later.
- Consider the "Celebration of Life" options. If a somber, traditional funeral feels wrong for the person you lost, ask about the Dove releases or the personalized DVD tributes. They specialize in making the service fit the personality, not just a template.
- Check the Live Stream. In 2026, we still have family members who can't travel. This funeral home has a pretty robust live-streaming setup for their services, which is a godsend for out-of-town relatives.
The Gregory B. Levett Funeral Home Decatur Georgia has built a reputation over four decades by treating death with a level of theater and dignity that is uniquely Georgian. Whether you're looking for a simple cremation or a horse-drawn carriage, the key is to be vocal about what you need. They are experts at the logistics; you are the expert on the person being honored.
Key Contact Information for Reference:
Address: 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 294-5500
Website: levettfuneralhome.com
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To move forward with arrangements, your first step should be to request their digital pre-planning guide or schedule an initial consultation to review the General Price List in person. This ensures you have all the financial information before making emotional decisions.