Losing someone is heavy. It's a weight that doesn't just sit on your chest; it complicates every single decision you have to make during the worst week of your life. When you're looking for a place like Wilkerson Funeral Home Greenville NC, you aren't just looking for a building with nice chairs and a chapel. You’re looking for someone to hold the map while you’re walking through a fog.
Greenville has changed a lot, but this place has stayed pretty much the same in the ways that matter.
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What’s the Deal With the Ownership?
Honestly, the biggest thing that sets S.G. Wilkerson & Sons apart is that they aren't owned by some massive corporation in a different time zone. That's becoming rare. A lot of funeral homes these days are bought up by conglomerates that keep the old family name on the sign but change everything behind the scenes to maximize profit.
Wilkerson is still in the hands of the same family that started it back in 1932. We’re talking four generations deep now. When you talk to a Wilkerson, you're talking to someone whose great-grandfather was doing the same work in the same dirt. That matters when you need someone who actually cares about their reputation in Pitt County. They live here. They go to the same grocery stores as you.
The Big Building on 5th Street
If you've driven through Greenville, you know the facility. It’s huge. We're talking 30,000 square feet. It was built in the mid-70s, and while that might sound "old" to some, it was designed to handle a lot of people without feeling like a crowded bus station.
- The Chapel: It holds over 300 people. If you have a big family or the person who passed was well-known in town, you need that space.
- Privacy: They have these specific family rooms so you don't have to be "on display" for the whole service if you're falling apart.
- On-site Crematory: This is a big one. Some places ship remains out to a third party. Wilkerson keeps everything in-house. It’s a peace-of-mind thing.
Wilkerson Funeral Home Greenville NC: Costs and Real Talk
Nobody likes talking about money when they’re grieving, but funerals are expensive. In North Carolina, you’re usually looking at an average of $7,500 to $9,000 for a traditional burial. That's just the baseline.
Wilkerson is known for being "full service," which basically means they handle the high-end, traditional stuff very well. But they also started a sister company called Winterville Cremation and Funeral Services for people who want something simpler. It's the same family, just a different approach for different budgets.
Why People Actually Choose Them
I’ve heard stories about the staff sewing a hem back into a granddaughter's dress right before a service. Little things. One woman mentioned that they didn't just sell her a "package"—they actually listened when she was in a total "depression fog" and led her through the paperwork like a friend would.
They also handle Pinewood Memorial Park, so if you're doing the burial there, the logistics are basically seamless. You don't have to coordinate between three different businesses.
Let’s Talk About Cremation
More people are choosing cremation in 2026 than ever before. It's just the way things are going. Wilkerson has adapted to this pretty well. They offer "direct cremation," which is the most affordable route, but they also do "cremation with a service," which feels more like a traditional funeral without the casket burial.
It’s worth noting that if you choose direct cremation, it can cost as low as $1,900 to $2,500 depending on the specifics, whereas the full-blown service will obviously be higher.
The "Hidden" Services
Most people don't know they do monument work too. The Wilkerson Monument Company handles the headstones and markers. Again, it’s about that "one-stop shop" feel. They also do a lot of veteran-specific services, helping families navigate the red tape of military honors, which is a massive headache if you try to do it alone.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’re just researching because you’re proactive, good for you. Pre-planning is the smartest thing you can do to save your kids from a massive headache later.
- Use the Online Planner: They have a tool on their website where you can basically build a "cart" of what you want. It gives you a reality check on prices without having to sit in an office and feel pressured.
- Check the Location: Make sure you're looking at the Greenville office if that's where you want the service, as they also have branches in Vanceboro and Ayden.
- Ask About the "Small Footprint" Options: If the 5th Street facility feels too big or too expensive, ask them about their Winterville branch. It’s the same quality of care but scaled down.
Funeral planning is never fun, but knowing the players helps. Wilkerson has been the "big name" in Greenville for nearly a century for a reason. They aren't the cheapest in town, but they're arguably the most established.
For the most accurate current pricing, your best bet is to call them directly at (252) 752-2101 and ask for a General Price List (GPL). By law, they have to give it to you. Use that list to compare with other local options before you sign anything.