Whitmey Funeral Directors Home2024-09-22T15:53:48+00:00

Willliam Whitmey Funeral Directors

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Offering support & guidance to each family we serve

Willliam Whitmey Funeral Directors

supporting your family

Offering support & guidance to each family we serve

Welcome to William Whitmey Funeral Directors

Award winning independent family run Funeral Directors William Whitmey are located in Sittingbourne and Teynham.

At William Whitmey Funeral Directors, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care to families during their time of need. With years of experience, our team understands the importance of honoring the lives of your loved ones with dignity and respect.

We offer personalised funeral and memorial services tailored to celebrate each unique life, ensuring that the final farewell is meaningful and heartfelt. Our commitment to you extends beyond the funeral service. We provide guidance and support through every step of the planning process, offering a range of services including pre-planning, grief support, and memorial arrangements. Whether you seek a traditional service or a more modern approach, William Whitmey Funeral Directors are here to accommodate your wishes and ensure a memorable tribute. Let us help you honor your loved one’s legacy with care, compassion and understanding.

We are here for you when you need us most.

Supporting you along the way

We understand that there is a lot to think about, so if you do need assistance with your loved one’s funeral arrangements, our funeral experts will offer you all the support you need.

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What to do when someone dies

It’s perfectly normal to be unsure of what you need to do following the death of a loved one. These step-by-step guides will carefully explain everything you need to do when someone dies, helping you through each stage of the process.

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Planning a funeral

Our guides on planning a funeral will ensure your loved one’s send off is a personal and unique celebration of their life. We will explain how our Funeral Directors will help you plan a funeral service and support you at every stage.

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The day of the funeral

This guide will explain what happens at a funeral; including the funeral procession, funeral service, committal service and the wake. We will be here to help you through every step of the journey.

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Some of the most often questions we are asked

When and where to register when someone has died?2023-10-25T15:09:20+00:00

One of the first things that needs to happen when someone has died is for the death to be registered. This process will depend on the location and nature of the death.

The death must be registered by the registrar:

  • Within five days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
  • Within eight days in Scotland

In England and Wales, it is possible to delay registration for a further nine days provided that the registrar receives written confirmation that the medical cause of death certificate has been signed by a doctor.

Delays due to the involvement of the coroner are not usually counted within these time frames.

The registration should be made in the district in which the death occurred in England unless the death has occurred in a county that has adopted a county-wide system.

If you are completely unable to attend a registrar in the district (or county) in England in which the death occurred you can attend elsewhere and carry out a declaration of the death. You should be aware that issue of the Death Certificate will be delayed as documents must be sent between the registrars in the post. In Scotland the registration may be done at any Scottish registration office.

Most registrars operate appointment systems. Some operate an emergency out of office hours service for families needing urgent burial for any reason. Telephone your main council switchboard to find out if there is an out of hours service.

In general, registration of the death should be carried out before the funeral can go ahead. Exceptions are deaths subject to investigation by the coroner or procurator fiscal. Permission for burial may also be issued before full registration in certain circumstances but this is not possible if cremation is planned.

Choosing the right coffin for somebody2023-10-25T15:08:38+00:00

Choosing a coffin for someone is probably not something you have ever given much thought to, if any. When it actually comes to it, it can feel surreal. It’s difficult. Take your time.

There’s a huge range of coffins out there. In Britain we have more choice than in any other country on earth.

Do you have to buy a coffin from an undertaker?

No you don’t. Undertakers are beginning to realize that a great many people want to buy this last gift for someone who has died themselves, not through a third-party. If your undertaker refuses to accept a coffin bought by you, take your business elsewhere. Any problems, contact us.

Cost

You can spend as much as you like on a coffin, from 150 pounds to several thousand.

No one wants to feel like a skinflint and choose something disrespectfully cheap. But here’s a thing: there’s almost no difference in appearance between a bottom-of-the-range veneered MDF ‘oak’ coffin and a solid oak one at five times the price. If you throw good money at a coffin it is highly unlikely that anyone will notice unless it is made from other materials like bamboo or willow or cardboard.

Ask yourself:

  1. What you can afford
  2. Which material you think appropriate
  3. What you like the look of
Cremation or Burial?2023-10-25T15:07:07+00:00

Cremation

Cremation is certainly more popular these days and you may have a cremation at any Crematorium you wish.

The nearest Crematorium to our offices is the Garden of England Crematorium at Bobbing. However we serve all crematoria throughout the UK.

Burial

We do of course carry out burials. This may be in a Churchyard, Parish Cemetery or Local Authority Burial Ground.

If you require a ‘New’ grave we will assist in finding out which cemeteries are open for new interments and advise you of the appropriate fees. If you already have an existing grave we will ensure that there is room for another interment and make all of the arrangements on your behalf.

Choosing the best funeral option for you2023-10-25T15:05:59+00:00

We offer traditional cremation or burial services and provide a wide selection of coffins and caskets. Mainly we offer four funeral options starting with the BASIC OPTION where we offer a veneered oak, mahogany or sepele coffin. This includes the hearse and we carry out the funeral on a day and time that is suitable to ourselves.

We also offer the BRONZE OPTION. This includes all of the above but with this option you may choose the day and time of the funeral subject to the availability of the Crematorium/Cemetery. There is also a wider coffin selection and viewing in our Chapel of Rest.

The SILVER OPTION includes the above but with ONE following limousine that seats six people. There is an upgraded coffin with this option with viewing in our Chapel of Rest.

Our GOLD OPTION includes the hearse and TWO following limousines, viewing in our Chapel of Rest and a superior coffin range.

Please contact us for any inquiries as to the range we offer and cost.

Is there a non religious service available?2023-10-25T15:03:20+00:00

Some people are either non-believers or do not have strong connections with a church but have a ‘basic faith’. Because the number of churchgoers is dwindling many people feel that they don’t want a religious service or may want a service with only a short prayer or hymn.

A Humanist funeral is taken by a Humanist Celebrant who will not have any religious slant to the service. A Funeral Celebrant is a person that will take the service but is happy to have a prayer or hymn.

Humanist and Funeral Celebrants go to the trouble to spend time with the family building the eulogy to be exactly what you want and to be a fitting tribute to the deceased.

Today, many people are looking for alternative ways to demonstrate their own personal spirituality and beliefs. As a Funeral Celebrant I am committed to providing bespoke ceremonies that will reflect the beliefs, lifestyle and personality of your loved one.

I will meet you in your own home or at William Whitmey’s premises, whichever is best for you. This meeting generally takes one to two hours. During this time, we will explore ways of making the service as meaningful and as personalised as possible. Participation by family members and friends is always encouraged.

Once all of the elements of the service are discussed and decided upon, I will write an appropriate and customised service. In this way, I can create a smooth-flowing, beautifully crafted tribute for your loved one.

As necessary, I will assist the various speakers before the event and oversee the ceremony’s design and delivery.

During the event, I will facilitate and guide the proceedings, make any necessary announcements, as well as leading individuals through any readings or rituals within the ceremony.

Find out about us

Offering support & guidance to each family we serve.

Professional Services

Find out about the services we offer.

Advice as needed

Help with questions you need to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find some of our most commonly asked questions

RECENT NEWS

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What people had to say about us

Whitmey Quote-Marks-yel

Sharon Dyer

I have got to say from start to finish William whitmey were very professional and supported me through such a difficult time of looseing my mum they gave her the best send off on her next journey, they are very caring and compassionate. For an amazing service after looseing your loved ones I would recommend William whitmey 110% they really… Read more “Sharon Dyer”

Robin Grigsby

Alex and his staff helped us to give our loved a perfect send off. First class service, with compassion and understanding. Would highly recommend.

Hayley Hawkins

I would just like to say a massive Thankyou to Alex and his Team. For their professionalism and compassion and to Carolyn the celebrant that Alex recommended. The funeral was a perfect celebration of mums life. It couldn’t have been any more perfect. Highly recommend their services

Dawn Skilton

From the very first contact I found Alex and his team to be very friendly and helpful (professional but with a genuinely caring approach) Alex made such an emotional and difficult situation as trouble free as possible. He listened attentively to our requirements and delivered exactly what we wanted. We were kept informed and on the day we could not… Read more “Dawn Skilton”

Paul Brabon

We sadly lost Dad early April and we called Alex at 6am to report his death. Alex arranged everything expertly. and professionally. He and his team were compassionate, caring, supportive, respectful and honest. We would not hesitate to recommend this funeral service as they were all fantastic.

Donna Wenman

Thank you very much for the care and professionalism my Dad and us received from your team. Nothing was too much trouble and and you guided us in a professional and respectful way. Thank you again

Abigail Budd

Alex and his team are absolutely amazing. I was so nervous about making arrangements for my dear Dad but as soon as I met Alex he straight away put my Mum and I at ease. Planning a funeral throughout Covid had seemed particularly daunting, but Alex took all the stress away and really helped to give my Dad the send… Read more “Abigail Budd”

James Bennett

Alex and his team provided an excellent professional and compassionate service for my mum’s funeral last year, which in my opinion was outstanding. Despite our grief, we all felt comfortable as a family discussing with Alex what we would like for her and Alex gave us some valuable suggestions as well as some helpful advice and gentle guidance with our… Read more “James Bennett”

Anita Packman

Alex and his team were exceptional from start to finish with my father in laws funeral. They made you feel as though we were the only ones going through this process, and helped us every step of the way. Would highly recommend them.

Vicky Seagars

We unfortunately lost our Mum in December 2022. She was 56, we knew she was poorly, but it still came as a shock. I had previously used William whitmey for my husbands Grandad’s funeral, and they did that beautifully. So when it came to organising for Mum, my sister and I phoned a few funeral directors, one she had known,… Read more “Vicky Seagars”

Chris Hawkes

Alex and his team at William Whitmey made a very difficult time for our family easy. From our first meeting, his honest, down to earth approach and advice helped us throughout and nothing was too much for them. The life celebrant they used, Hilary, was fantastic and made the service a lasting memory that we can look back on without… Read more “Chris Hawkes”

Yvonne Roberts

As a funeral celebrant, I have been working with Alex and his team for the past 2 years and all I can say is they are the ultimate in professionalism and really care about their families. They will always go over and above what is needed to give their families not just what they need, but what will leave a… Read more “Yvonne Roberts”

Mark Glover

Having sadly lost our Dad back in June we decided to use Alex and his lovely team. So glad we did as they made us feel very at ease and treated us with professionalism but most of all dignity and care x

Jeanette Hodges

Our family have needed to use the services of Alex and his team 3 times in the last 8months. I cannot praise them enough for the help they have given us. Alex has a down to earth way of putting you at ease and making sure your every need is covered while Hilary has a way of putting together all… Read more “Jeanette Hodges”

Robert Hedges

Alex was brilliant, looked after the whole process from top to tail. Had channels to all the appropriate services (flowers, order of service etc) and was on the ball. Took time and trouble to listen carefully to my bespoke requests and also guided my steps in terms of what to do, who to speak to and how to approach the… Read more “Robert Hedges”

Kathy Nel

Can’t recommend Alex and his team at William Whitmey Funeral Directors more. They where really great, from the initial appointment to the actual funeral – he was attentive and kind. The actual funeral was done with such amazing ceremony. Thank you Alex

Becky Smith

I chose Whitmey’s for my mother’s funeral based on their wins for ‘Customer Service and Commitment’ in the Swale Business Awards for two consecutive years. From the very first phone call and subsequent meeting, which was in the immediate hours after my mother’s death I completely understood why they have received these awards. Alex has a rare and enviable quality… Read more “Becky Smith”

Cherry Drop

We used William Whitmey’s for my dads funeral and I couldn’t recommended them more, nothing was too much trouble. They were reasonably priced and very transparent to what you was paying for. I feel you get a more personal service at a very difficult time.

Daren Beaumont

A heartfelt thank you to Alex and his team. They were extremely efficient, caring an considerate. They made the whole experience easier, at a very difficult time. Nothing was too much trouble, and everything went smoothly. I would strongly recommend them to anyone.

BlueSkySyncing (Yarnies)

Willam Whitmey, thank you for everything you did for my Mum. As sad as the day was you made it so special and perfect which was so fitting as that is how I describe my Mum. For anyone sadly needing to arrange a funeral, we recommend William Whitmey completely. What ever we wanted for Mum, William arranged. Without doubt, the… Read more “BlueSkySyncing (Yarnies)”

Jenna Williams

Alex was very professional, reliable but mostly very understanding. Would definitely recommend him.. He took Control of everything and gave my Mum the send off she wanted and deserved…. Thank you Alex Jenna & Family.

Jill Heaton

I would like to say a huge thankyou to Alex and family, you all made the Funeral of Julie a special day on 22/10/18 From start to finish your thoughts were with the family. Every thing was done the way she would have wanted it, thank you Alex for supporting my Nephew Steven through a very difficult time, the service… Read more “Jill Heaton”

James Ford

Recently lost both parents within 8 weeks of each other and I cannot speak highly enough of Alex and his colleagues who oversaw both services. Empathy and total professionalism made our lives more bearable through a particularly difficult time. Thank you Alex.

Mike Dawe

Thank you for making a very very sad time easier and bearable. Your attention to our requests and detail was beyond excellent. Many thanks to you and your team. Thank you william whitmey but more importantly Thank you Alex and Nadine and of course Hillary. We the family will never forget your kindness on the day of Mammas Funeral.

Sandra Joyce

We highly recommend. Thank you Alex and Hilary for the wonderful send off for our father ,Hilary the service you gave was first class and Alex you were so supportive and made us fee at ease, Tina and Sandra

Hayley HawkinsHayley Hawkins
21:19 25 Sep 23
I would just like to say a massive Thankyou to Alex and his Team. For their professionalism and compassion and to Carolyn the celebrant that Alex recommended. The funeral was a perfect celebration of mums life. It couldn’t have been any more perfect.Highly recommend their services
Paul BrabonPaul Brabon
18:30 14 May 23
We sadly lost Dad early April and we called Alex at 6am to report his death. Alex arranged everything expertly. and professionally. He and his team were compassionate, caring, supportive, respectful and honest. We would not hesitate to recommend this funeral service as they were all fantastic
Jacob BrabonJacob Brabon
12:06 21 Apr 23
Very kind and considerate, made me feel as comfortable as possible, Alex also paid special attention to our needs. Thank you All.
mark glovermark glover
14:48 09 Feb 23
Having sadly lost our Dad back in June we decided to use Alex and his lovely team. So glad we did as they made us feel very at ease and treated us with professionalism but most of all dignity and care x
Dawn SkiltonDawn Skilton
13:29 31 Jan 23
From the very first contact I found Alex and his team to be very friendly and helpful (professional but with a genuinely caring approach)Alex made such an emotional and difficult situation as trouble free as possible. He listened attentively to our requirements and delivered exactly what we wanted. We were kept informed and on the day we could not have wished for anything more. The whole service was conducted professionally and with dignity. The celebrant who was recommended by Alex was fantastic she was compassionate and friendly and delivered a tribute that was heartfelt full of warmth and she spoke of my father as if she herself knew him. Carolyn spent time listening to us and wrote a wonderful tribute and sent several emails ensuring we were 100% happy with her words and the order of ceremony.I and my family would recommend William Whitmey and Carolyn Stace for delivering a perfect funeral service from the initial phone call to the gracious farewell and follow up condolence email. The whole team on the day were impeccably turned out and delivered their duties with flawless precisionThank you
Sharon DyerSharon Dyer
14:09 13 Apr 21
I have got to say from start to finish William whitmey were very professional and supported me through such a difficult time of looseing my mum they gave her the best send off on her next journey, they are very caring and compassionate.For an amazing service after looseing your loved ones I would recommend William whitmey 110% they really do care about your loved ones.Excellent service.
Robin GrigsbyRobin Grigsby
12:53 13 Feb 21
Alex and his staff helped us to give our loved a perfect send off. First class service, with compassion and understanding. Would highly recommend.
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