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 is a former Neonatal ICU Nurse and former clinical instructor for Pitt Community College's School of Nursing.  She is now a stay at home mom, director of Grace Life Co-op for homeschoolers and assists in the business as a funeral director apprentice.

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 and the Kinston Host Lions Club. 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, gokart racing with his son, and watching racing.

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

Jim Stroud was born in rural Virginia to Augustus and Bessie Stroud. After completing high school, he attended Chowan Junior College before earning his Bachelor’s degree in English from Campbell University.

Jim went on to enjoy a successful 33-year career in insurance and banking, where he built a reputation for hard work and dedication. Despite his professional achievements, Jim harbored a lifelong dream of becoming a funeral director. In 2012, he made that dream a reality by graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College, earning his licensure, and dedicating himself to the funeral industry. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to provide compassionate care and support to grieving families during their most challenging times.

Jim is a member of Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern, North Carolina, where his spirituality continues to guide his life and work.

Above all, Jim treasures his family. He is the proud father of two children, his son Michael and daughter Julie, and the devoted grandfather to Thomas, his beloved grandson and the apple of his eye. Jim’s journey is a testament to perseverance, service, and the importance of faith and family.

Sarah is new to the funeral service profession serving as an apprentice under Justin. Currently, she is attending Fayetteville Technical Community College to receive a AAS degree in Funeral Services and hopes to bring her own professionalism, compassion, and ministry to the profession. After a period of several impactful deaths in her personal life, at a young age, she decided she wanted to help other families through difficult times as she witnessed Edwards Funeral Home staff help her loved ones. She is set to graduate from FTCC in late 2025 and make her dreams a reality.

Sarah has grown up in Kinston, North Carolina in the Falling Creek area. She is a 2024 early graduate of South Lenoir High School and in her spare time, she likes to spend time with friends and family. She is a die hard “Swiftie” and loves to travel. Sarah is supported in her ambition to serve others by her family and friends. She is the proud dog momma to her beloved Terrier, Ricky.