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When you drive down Oscar Drive in New Bern, you aren't just looking at a street name. You're looking at a history of resilience that most people outside of Craven County might not fully grasp. Oscar’s Mortuary in New Bern NC isn't just a place where families go when they’ve lost someone; it’s a landmark of the Civil Rights movement that literally survived bombings to keep its doors open.
Honestly, it's rare to find a business that has stayed in the same family since 1960 while maintaining such a heavy local influence.
The Story Behind the Name
It all started on January 16, 1960. Oscar Roosevelt Dove and his wife, Grace Becton Dove, opened the doors because they saw a need for quality, dignified service for the Black community in Eastern North Carolina. But this wasn't just about business. Oscar Dove was deeply involved in the Civil Rights movement.
Because of that activism, the mortuary became a target.
Think about that for a second. In the early 1960s, while trying to help families grieve, the Doves faced crosses being burned on their property. The building was even bombed by the KKK. Most people would have packed up and left, but they stayed. They didn't just stay; they led. Oscar’s Mortuary was actually the first to integrate the predominantly white, city-owned cemeteries in New Bern. They were the first to have a funeral procession cross the Cherry Branch Ferry.
They basically broke every barrier the Jim Crow era threw at them.
What It’s Like Inside Today
If you walk into the facility at 1700 Oscar Drive now, you’ll find it’s run by the next generations—Dorothy, J. Eileen, Tiffany, Victor, and Juleon Dove. It feels different than those big, corporate-owned funeral homes that have been popping up everywhere. It’s got that specific, quiet weight of a family-run establishment.
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They handle everything. Seriously, the list is long:
- Traditional burials and cremations
- International and domestic shipping of remains
- Custom funeral program design
- Pre-need planning (which, let’s be real, nobody wants to talk about but everyone needs)
- Notary services and obituary support
One thing that stands out is their "aftercare." They don't just finish the service and hand you a bill. They actually provide resources for grief support and help navigating the mountain of paperwork that comes with death—Social Security, life insurance, and Veterans benefits.
Let’s Talk About the Costs
Funerals are expensive. It's a tough reality. According to data from Parting, a traditional full-service burial at Oscar’s Mortuary in New Bern NC can range significantly depending on choices, but their direct cremation starts around $1,800. For a full-service experience, including the casket, vault, and ceremony, you might be looking at an estimated total closer to $5,800 to $7,500.
Compared to some of the other homes in the area like Cotten or Pollock-Best, Oscar’s tends to be more mid-range in pricing. They aren't the absolute cheapest, but they aren't the $9,000+ corporate average either. They’ve always had a reputation for working with families who are struggling financially, often pointing them toward public aid allowances or veteran benefits.
The Legacy of the Dove Family
Oscar passed in 1975, and Grace followed in 2010, but their impact is still felt in how the business operates. In early 2025, the mortuary was even recognized with a North Carolina Civil Rights Trail marker. It’s a big deal. It recognizes that this wasn't just a place for the dead—it was a headquarters for the living to fight for their rights.
They’ve kept things modern, too. They have a solid web presence where you can check current obituaries (like the recent services for Sheryl Denise Harvey or Laura Jeanette Pugh) and even start the planning process online.
Why the Community Trusts Them
New Bern is a town that remembers its history. People go to Oscar’s because their parents went there, and their grandparents went there. It’s about trust. When you’re at your lowest, you want to see a face you recognize.
The staff includes licensed embalmers and funeral directors who have been in the game for decades. They know the local churches, they know the local laws, and they know how to handle the specific traditions of Eastern NC families.
It’s about dignity. Whether it’s a horse-drawn carriage or a modern limousine, they make sure the final send-off feels earned.
Practical Steps for Families
If you find yourself needing their services, don't wait until the last minute to ask questions. Here is what you should actually do:
- Call them immediately: Their number is (252) 633-1156. They’re available 24/7 because, well, death doesn't keep office hours.
- Gather the "Must-Haves": You’ll need the deceased’s Social Security number, birth certificate, and any military discharge papers (DD-214) if they served.
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL): By law, they have to give this to you. Use it to see where you can save money, like choosing a simpler casket or opting for a memorial service instead of a full viewing.
- Check the Civil Rights Marker: If you’re just visiting New Bern, go see the marker at the property. It’s an important piece of North Carolina history that often gets overlooked in the brochures.
Handling the end of a life is messy and exhausting. Having a place like Oscar’s Mortuary in New Bern NC—a place that literally stood its ground against bombs—makes the process feel a little more supported. They’ve seen the worst of history and still managed to provide the best of service. That kind of longevity doesn't happen by accident.