Staff

Justin has been a funeral service professional for 16 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 stylist at Arc Hair Design. I have a lovely wife of twelve years, Rhapsody, who is a Neonatal ICU Nurse at Vidant Medical Center and also a clinical instructor for Pitt Community College's School of Nursing.

Justin and Rhapsody have three beautiful children, eight-year old daughter, Kylah, five year old son, Karsten, and two month old, Kendall, who are the joy of their lives. The family pet is an English Springer Spaniel, “Tater.” Justin presently serves as an usher in his local church, Faith Assembly of God and is a member of Gideons International. He is also the Chairman of the Executive Board for the Pitt Community College Alumni Association 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. He has served on North Carolina's Ministerial Development Board since 1992, and has been State Coordinator of the Ministerial Internship Program for 13 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 41 years of marriage to his wife, Lou, who he declares, "is my strength and courage." She has served 21 years as Senior Secretary for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioners in the Neonatal ICU at Vidant Medical Center and currently is a Senior Secretary for Vidant Medical Center's Foundation.

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, 15, Hannah, 12, Bethany, 8, Kylah, 8, Karsten, 5, and Kendall, 5 months. Family is their first and highest model of authentic, caring ministry.

Wayne is presently a member of the Church of God International Board of Education and 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.

Ernest grew up in the Ormondsville community in Greene County. He retired from Collins & Aikman in Farmville after 41 years. He and his wife Carolyn live in Ayden and are members of Berean Baptist Church. They have one daughter, one grandchild and one great grandchild. Ernest has worked in the funeral industry for over 10 years. In his spare time, Ernest enjoys taking his classic cars to cruise-ins around Eastern NC.