Staff

Justin has been a funeral service professional over 20 years. He began his career path early in funeral service, at the age of 16. Just four years later he received his license, and since that time he has served many families, assisted colleagues, and trained other aspiring directors toward achieving their goals.

"I feel humbled to serve families in the community at a very painful time in their lives. Although the grief of losing a loved one cannot be completely solaced, I am grateful to offer professional service and personal care, making this difficult experience as easy as it can possibly be."

Justin grew up in the small community of Shelmerdine in southern Pitt County, where Christian principles and life values were instilled. "I owe a debt of gratitude to my parents, Jeff and Jennifer Smith, and to my grandparents, the late Walter Lee, Jr. and Josephine Smith, and to Jimmy and Jackie Moore, for their devotion to my upbringing. My younger brother, Jared, is a hair stylist in Raleigh. I have a lovely wife of 19 years, Rhapsody, who was a Neonatal ICU Nurse at Vidant Medical Center and also a clinical instructor for Pitt Community College's School of Nursing.  She is now a stay at home mom and assists in the business when she can.

Justin and Rhapsody have three beautiful children, 15 old daughter, Kylah, 12 year old son, Karsten, and 7 year old daughter, Kendall, who are the joy of their lives. Justin presently serves as an usher in his local church, Faith Assembly of God and is a member of Gideons International. He is was a former Chairman of the Executive Board for the Pitt Community College Alumni Association and currrently sets on the Board of Lions Industries for the Blind in Kinston.  He and enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting and watching racing.

Justin and his wife began Smith Funeral Service & Crematory in Greenville in 2011 where they also offer onsite cremation services.

Wayne comes to Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations from a pastoral background. He has served as Youth and Christian Education Director in two prior settings, and was the founding pastor of the University Church of God in Greenville where he served for 26 years. He served on North Carolina's Ministerial Development Board for 28 years and was the State Coordinator of the Ministerial Internship Program for 22 years.

"One of my greatest gifts is the gift of encouragement, especially in times of crisis. The grace of personal comfort and biblical counsel is a most rewarding experience for me as I help walk hurting families through the sorrows of death. It is personally gratifying to witness authentic hope and reassurance arise in the hearts of those whose loved one has passed away."

This year he is celebrating 49 years of marriage to his wife, Lou, whom he declares, "is my strength and courage." She served 23 years as Senior Secretary for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioners in the Neonatal ICU at Vidant Medical Center and retired as Senior Secretary for Vidant Medical Center's Foundation in 2021.

Together they raised two wonderful children, Mitchell Stephen, who has a lovely wife, Amy, and Rhapsody Michelle, who is the wife of Justin Smith. Wayne and Lou are proud of their six grandchildren, Caleb, 21, Hannah, 16, Bethany, 15, Kylah, 15, Karsten, 12, and Kendall, 7. Family is their first and highest model of authentic, caring ministry.

Wayne is an adjunct professor of the Internet Degree Program at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his beloved family and authoring books that encourage Christian faith.