Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us ever face. At Sussex Funeral Services we are an independent, family-run firm, and when you call us from Southwick you will speak to a real person who has the time to listen. There is no rush, no pressure and no script. We simply want to understand who your loved one was and how we can help you say goodbye in a way that feels right.
As caring funeral directors serving Southwick and the wider Adur area, we look after every part of a funeral with the same care we would give our own family. From the very first phone call through to the day itself, Philip and Sallie are here to guide you gently, answer your questions honestly and take the weight of the arrangements off your shoulders.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so whenever the time comes, day or night, you will never be left waiting or wondering what to do next. One calm phone call is all it takes to start.
Southwick is a friendly coastal town sitting west of Portslade beside Shoreham Harbour, with Southwick Green at its heart, St Michael's Church nearby and Southwick Hill rising up towards the Downs. We know the area well and we understand that families here want a local, personal service rather than something that feels impersonal or run from far away.
We look after families right across Southwick and its neighbouring communities, including Portslade, Fishersgate, Shoreham-by-Sea and Kingston Buci. Wherever you are along this stretch of coast, we can come to you at home to make arrangements if that feels easier, so you do not have to travel while you are grieving.
For families in Southwick, funerals often take place at Worthing Crematorium or at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton, and we will happily guide you through the choices and arrange everything on your behalf. Deaths locally are registered with the West Sussex or Brighton and Hove register offices, and we will explain clearly what needs to be done and when, so nothing feels confusing or overwhelming.
For many families in Southwick, a traditional funeral is a comforting and familiar way to say goodbye. It usually brings friends and relatives together for a service, whether at a church, a crematorium chapel or a graveside, with time to reflect, remember and support one another.
We take care of every practical detail, from bringing your loved one into our care and preparing an order of service to arranging the hearse, flowers and the day itself. Everything is organised calmly and thoughtfully, so all you need to do is be present with the people who matter.
Not every family wants a formal service, and that is perfectly alright. A direct cremation is a simple and affordable choice where the cremation takes place quietly, without a service beforehand, leaving you free to remember your loved one in your own way and your own time.
Some families choose our unattended direct cremation, where no one attends the cremation itself, and later hold a private gathering or a celebration of life somewhere meaningful to them. We handle the whole process with the same respect and care as any other funeral we carry out.
A funeral does not have to follow any religious tradition to feel meaningful. For families who would prefer something personal and non-religious, we can arrange a celebrant-led funeral that focuses entirely on your loved one, their life, their character and the things that made them who they were.
A celebrant will spend time getting to know your family and will craft a service around your memories, music and readings. Whether it is quiet and reflective or full of warmth and laughter, the day belongs to you.
For families in Southwick who hold a faith, we are honoured to arrange funerals that follow the customs and traditions that matter to you. We work closely with local churches, ministers and faith leaders to make sure every element of the service is carried out with care and respect.
Whether you would like a full church service, prayers at the graveside or a blessing at the crematorium, we will listen to your wishes and make sure everything is arranged properly, so your family can take comfort in the familiar rhythms of your faith.
Some families in Southwick prefer a burial, and others are drawn to more natural, environmentally gentle options such as a woodland or green funeral. We are happy to talk you through all of these and help you decide what feels most fitting.
Whether you would like a traditional burial in a churchyard or cemetery, or a resting place in a natural burial ground surrounded by trees and open countryside, we will arrange everything thoughtfully and explain each choice in plain, honest terms.
Planning ahead is a kind and thoughtful thing to do, both for yourself and for the people you love. A prepaid funeral plan lets you set out your wishes in advance and fix the cost of our services at today's prices, sparing your family difficult decisions later on.
We will sit down with you, without any pressure, and talk through exactly what you would like. Everything is written down clearly so that when the time comes, your family simply need to make one phone call, knowing your wishes are already understood and taken care of.
Every life is different, and the small personal touches often mean the most. We offer a wide range of coffins and urns to suit every taste and budget, from simple and traditional designs to more natural materials such as willow, bamboo and cardboard.
Beyond the coffin, there are many gentle ways to make a funeral truly personal. From a favourite piece of music or a treasured photograph to a particular flower, a certain colour or a much-loved poem, we will help you weave in the details that capture your loved one's spirit.
Worrying about money at such a painful time is the last thing any family needs. We believe in being open and honest about funeral costs from the very beginning, and we will always give you a clear written estimate so you know exactly what is included and what everything will cost.
There are no hidden charges and no pressure to spend more than you wish. Whether you are looking for a simple and affordable funeral or something more traditional, we will help you arrange a dignified goodbye that fits your family and your budget.
We are a genuinely independent, family-run funeral directors, and we treat every family who comes to us the way we would want our own to be treated. Here is what you can expect when you place your trust in us.
Yes, we look after families right across Southwick and the wider Adur coast, including Portslade, Fishersgate, Shoreham-by-Sea and Kingston Buci. Although our home is at 185 Portland Road in Hove, we come to you and can make all the arrangements from the comfort of your own home. Distance is never a barrier to the care we provide.
The first step is simply to call us on 01273 736469 at any time, day or night, and we will guide you gently through what happens next. If your loved one has passed away at home, we can come to bring them into our care whenever you are ready. There is no need to feel rushed, and we will explain everything clearly.
Families in Southwick most often choose Worthing Crematorium or Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton. We will talk you through the options and arrange everything on your behalf, including the time, the service and any music or readings you would like. The choice is always yours.
Deaths in the Southwick area are usually registered with the West Sussex or Brighton and Hove register offices, depending on where the death took place. We will let you know exactly which office you need and what documents to take with you. If anything feels confusing, we are always happy to explain it again.
Absolutely. Many families choose a non-religious, celebrant-led funeral that focuses entirely on the person's life and character. A celebrant will craft the service around your memories, music and readings, so it feels genuinely personal. We are just as happy to arrange a religious service if that is what your family prefers.
Yes, we offer simple and affordable options, including direct cremation, for families who would prefer something quieter or more modest. We will always be honest about costs and give you a clear written estimate with no hidden extras. Every family deserves a dignified goodbye, whatever their budget.
You can, and many people find great comfort in doing so. A prepaid funeral plan lets you record your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices, which spares your family difficult decisions later on. We will talk everything through with you calmly and without any pressure.
Yes, we are proudly independent and family-run, which means you deal with the same caring people from start to finish. We are accredited and recommended by SAIF, the BIFD and the Good Funeral Guide. You can read more about our family firm and the values that guide everything we do.
If you have lost someone or you simply want to talk something through, please reach out. Philip or Sallie are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never any obligation. You can call us any time on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453, and if you would like a familiar local name to turn to, our funeral directors in Portslade serve the same close-knit stretch of coast. Whenever you are ready, one gentle phone call is all it takes.